Personify is down
Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of domestic waste at a wastewater treatment facility. Through biosolids management, solid residue from wastewater treatment is processed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and minimize odors, forming a safe, beneficial agricultural product. Biosolids are carefully monitored and must be used in accordance with regulatory requirements. See, biosolids resources for additional information.
Biosolids practitioners today are at a critical juncture and face an array of pressures that are both challenging and potentially advantageous. While decades of studies have shown that biosolids can be safely used for the production of agricultural crops, news headlines and some local and state government action shows a body of growing concern. How can biosolids practitioners prepare for the future, positioning their programs to address current and emerging challenges while also preparing to leverage opportunities? To explore these areas, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is convening a gathering of biosolids practitioners and experts from across North America to contribute their knowledge to a strategic conversation. This invitation-only dialogue will take place on November 20-21 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Listening Sessions
Ahead of the national stakeholder meeting, WEF is hosting Biosolids Listening Session at various events around the country this summer! These listening sessions aim to capture regional perspectives of the biosolids industry, including regulatory, market, research and workforce challenges and opportunities. They will help inform the national meeting and ensure we address issues from around the country as we plan for the future of biosolids. The meetings are open to all and will not last longer than an hour. Please see the list below to see if you are able to attend.
Convening Documents
This document was distributed to convening participants before the meeting to help prepare for participation in the conversation as it outlines the challenges and opportunities facing biosolids practitioners. It was developed during 10 subject matter expert interviews, 8 facilitated listening sessions with experts in the field around the United States and Canada and a background desk analysis of current issues facing biosolids management.
The main output of the convening, this document contains brief descriptions of meeting presentations, summaries of the meeting participants’ discussions around needs and gaps and attachments that summarize three content areas of discussion, and four attachments that provide more detail on the discussion, including a suggested model for biosolids leadership going forward.
Biosolids practitioners today are at a critical juncture and face an array of pressures that are both challenging and potentially advantageous. While decades of studies have shown that biosolids can be safely used for the production of agricultural crops, news headlines and some local and state government action shows a body of growing concern. How can biosolids practitioners prepare for the future, positioning their programs to address current and emerging challenges while also preparing to leverage opportunities? To explore these areas, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is convening a gathering of biosolids practitioners and experts from across North America to contribute their knowledge to a strategic conversation. This invitation-only dialogue will take place on November 20-21 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Listening Sessions
Ahead of the national stakeholder meeting, WEF is hosting Biosolids Listening Session at various events around the country this summer! These listening sessions aim to capture regional perspectives of the biosolids industry, including regulatory, market, research and workforce challenges and opportunities. They will help inform the national meeting and ensure we address issues from around the country as we plan for the future of biosolids. The meetings are open to all and will not last longer than an hour. Please see the list below to see if you are able to attend.
Convening Documents
This document was distributed to convening participants before the meeting to help prepare for participation in the conversation as it outlines the challenges and opportunities facing biosolids practitioners. It was developed during 10 subject matter expert interviews, 8 facilitated listening sessions with experts in the field around the United States and Canada and a background desk analysis of current issues facing biosolids management.
The main output of the convening, this document contains brief descriptions of meeting presentations, summaries of the meeting participants’ discussions around needs and gaps and attachments that summarize three content areas of discussion, and four attachments that provide more detail on the discussion, including a suggested model for biosolids leadership going forward.
There are currently six subcommittees of the Residual and Biosolids Committee:
Interested in joining a committee or subcommittee? Learn more.
As a membership organization, WEF understands the value of member engagement and using the collective knowledge of an entire profession to further its mission of improving water quality around the world.
WEF members participate in WEF committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals and books, developing training materials and program content, and many other WEF program activities.
WEF committee members interact through conference calls, at conferences, and via WEFCOM, WEF’s virtual workspace.
For more information on WEF’s committees, click here.
For more information on WEFCOM, click here.
There are currently six subcommittees of the Residual and Biosolids Committee:
Interested in joining a committee or subcommittee? Learn more.
As a membership organization, WEF understands the value of member engagement and using the collective knowledge of an entire profession to further its mission of improving water quality around the world.
WEF members participate in WEF committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals and books, developing training materials and program content, and many other WEF program activities.
WEF committee members interact through conference calls, at conferences, and via WEFCOM, WEF’s virtual workspace.
For more information on WEF’s committees, click here.
For more information on WEFCOM, click here.
The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) advances environmentally sound biosolids management practices, serves as the information clearinghouse on effective biosolids practices, as well as technical assistance, and offers an EMS-based certification program that requires participating organizations to go beyond regulatory requirements.
NBP Advisory Committee
NBP Blue Ribbon Panel and Appeals Board
The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) provides training and support to help biosolids management organizations ensure that their programs are environmentally sound and protective of public health. See FAQs about the NBP’s Biosolids Management Program.
The NBP Biosolids Management Program (BMP) is based on internationally recognized standards for an Environmental Management System/International Organization of Standardization (ISO 14001). With guidance from biosolids professionals, experts, and leading biosolids management organizations, the NBP has created a management program tailored to the priorities and needs of the wastewater profession. It serves as a model for continuous improvement in the areas of environmental performance, regulatory compliance, quality management practices, and relations with interested parties and other stakeholders.
Organizations that have chosen to become certified by the NBP collectively manage more than 12% of the biosolids in the United States. These organizations have documented significant benefits in using the program's tools to reduce operating costs and achieve greater efficiencies while protecting public health and managing residuals in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. NBP organizations focus on consistently producing a high-quality biosolids product for intended markets/end use options and promoting resource recovery while achieving and maintaining public and regulatory trust and acceptance.
The NBP encourages all biosolids management organizations — small, medium, and large — and whatever biosolids treatment and management option is used to participate in the program. Organizations have the option either to develop an audit-ready program or to pursue certification. To get started today, fill out the application at http://www.wefnet.org/onlineform/nbpbmp/.
Interested in participating in the Biosolids Management Program?
Click here to apply!
Fact Sheets
Key Program Documents
Audit Resources
Biosolids Management Program Templates, Examples and Revisable Model
The NBP has new resources available for organizations to help make biosolids management systems easier, faster, and cheaper to create and use. All the new resource documents are designed to be used as a set along with other BMP guidance documents.
The resources include several parts:
NBP PLATINUM CERTIFIED Organizations
Organizations with an active certification from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
NBP Gold Recognized Organizations
Organizations with an active Gold recognition from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
NBP Silver Recognized Organizations
Organizations with an active Silver recognition from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
NBP Bronze Recognized Organizations
Organizations with an active Bronze recognition from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
865-594-7626
The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) advances environmentally sound biosolids management practices, serves as the information clearinghouse on effective biosolids practices, as well as technical assistance, and offers an EMS-based certification program that requires participating organizations to go beyond regulatory requirements.
NBP Advisory Committee
NBP Blue Ribbon Panel and Appeals Board
The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) provides training and support to help biosolids management organizations ensure that their programs are environmentally sound and protective of public health. See FAQs about the NBP’s Biosolids Management Program.
The NBP Biosolids Management Program (BMP) is based on internationally recognized standards for an Environmental Management System/International Organization of Standardization (ISO 14001). With guidance from biosolids professionals, experts, and leading biosolids management organizations, the NBP has created a management program tailored to the priorities and needs of the wastewater profession. It serves as a model for continuous improvement in the areas of environmental performance, regulatory compliance, quality management practices, and relations with interested parties and other stakeholders.
Organizations that have chosen to become certified by the NBP collectively manage more than 12% of the biosolids in the United States. These organizations have documented significant benefits in using the program's tools to reduce operating costs and achieve greater efficiencies while protecting public health and managing residuals in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. NBP organizations focus on consistently producing a high-quality biosolids product for intended markets/end use options and promoting resource recovery while achieving and maintaining public and regulatory trust and acceptance.
The NBP encourages all biosolids management organizations — small, medium, and large — and whatever biosolids treatment and management option is used to participate in the program. Organizations have the option either to develop an audit-ready program or to pursue certification. To get started today, fill out the application at http://www.wefnet.org/onlineform/nbpbmp/.
Interested in participating in the Biosolids Management Program?
Click here to apply!
Fact Sheets
Key Program Documents
Audit Resources
Biosolids Management Program Templates, Examples and Revisable Model
The NBP has new resources available for organizations to help make biosolids management systems easier, faster, and cheaper to create and use. All the new resource documents are designed to be used as a set along with other BMP guidance documents.
The resources include several parts:
NBP PLATINUM CERTIFIED Organizations
Organizations with an active certification from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
NBP Gold Recognized Organizations
Organizations with an active Gold recognition from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
NBP Silver Recognized Organizations
Organizations with an active Silver recognition from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
NBP Bronze Recognized Organizations
Organizations with an active Bronze recognition from the NBP for an EMS-based Biosolids Management Program are listed below. The NBP congratulates these leaders in biosolids management!
865-594-7626
Interested in biogas? Learn more ...
As stated in WEF’s position statement, water resource recovery facilities have the potential to be energy neutral or even net energy producers through holistic energy management approaches, incorporating conservation practices, and generating renewable energy through treatment of their by-products, such as biosolids. Solids treatment provides the greatest potential for energy recovery and production, with the chemical energy embedded in biosolids greater than the energy needed for treatment.
Enabling Energy Recovery
Driven by rising energy costs and sustainability concerns, utilities are recovering previously wasted resources – flared biogas and waste heat – to increase their energy self-sufficiency. A variety of well-proven energy recovery technologies is available for onsite energy production, and innovative technologies are poised to expand the options.
The energy in wastewater exists in three forms: thermal energy, hydraulic energy, and chemical or calorific energy. There are many opportunities to convert the chemical energy in solids to a useable form (heat or fuel) through biological or thermal processes. Energy recovery options range from mature, well-established systems, such as anaerobic digestion (AD) and incineration, to emerging technologies, such as Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and hydrothermal gasification. These options fall into two main categories: bioconversion and thermal conversion.
Biogas production through AD is limited to conversion of the readily biodegradable portion of the solids. To overcome this limitation, and thus maximize biogas production, co-digestion and pretreatment processes have become rapidly growing practices in recent years.
The biogas generated by AD systems is an extremely versatile fuel and can replace natural gas for heating and power generation needs. Heat recovery is by far the most common use of biogas, with a majority of facilities using biogas in boilers or recovering heat from CHP to heat digesters and/or buildings. The primary use of biogas at most facilities is digester heating. With increasing fuel costs and sustainability concerns, many plants are trying to maximize the use of biogas in place of purchased energy.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Increasingly, plants are using biogas in CHP systems to generate electricity from the biogas. Internal combustion (IC) engines are the most widely used CHP technology. Combustion gas turbines are often a good fit for the largest WRRFs. Like IC engines, combustion gas turbines are a reliable, well-proven technology.
As the name suggests, a microturbine is a much smaller version of a combustion gas turbine. Microturbines are often a good fit for smaller WRRFs with anaerobic digestion. Microturbines have become the second most widely used CHP technology at WRRFs due to their small capacity and clean emissions.
Fuel cells are unique in that they do not combust biogas to produce power and heat. Instead, fuel cells convert chemical energy to electricity using electrochemical reactions. Their benefits include high electric efficiency and extremely clean exhaust emissions.
Biogas Upgrading
Currently, only 1% of the biogas beneficially used is upgraded to natural gas quality for injection into the natural gas transmission system. Biogas is also upgraded to CNG for use as fuel for CNG vehicles.
Pipeline Injection
Pipeline quality biogas has extremely low concentrations of contaminants and must be compressed to match the natural gas transmission line pressure.
CNG or LNG Vehicle Fuel
Biogas can be upgraded to displace CNG or liquid natural gas (LNG) in vehicles capable of using these fuels. In Europe, upgrading biogas to fuel vehicular fleets is an established practice. In the U.S., there are only a few installations. Purity requirements for vehicular fuel are lower than those for pipeline injection. The biggest barriers to CNG or LNG conversion are the lack of a widespread infrastructure for gas filling stations and the cost of vehicle conversion for CNG or LNG use.
Use of Biogas in Industrial Processes
There are several examples of efficient use of biogas by industries sited in proximity to WRRFs. In these situations, biogas that is untreated or minimally treated is provided to an industrial facility that utilizes the gas in its processes.
Thermal Conversion
In contrast to biological conversion (anaerobic digestion), thermal conversion of wastewater solids can make use of all of the chemical energy embedded in the solids, regardless of degradation potential.
Off-site Co-combustion
Instead of incinerating biosolids at the treatment plant, biosolids can be used to supplement or replace coal in cement kilns and coal fired power plants.
Gasification
Gasification is the thermal conversion of carbonaceous biomass into syngas.
Thermal Oxidation
Thermal oxidation (incineration) is the most established biosolids thermal conversion technology and has been used since the 1930s, and has been practiced in the wastewater sector mainly as a volume reduction/sterilization method of biosolids management. Looking toward the future, municipal utilities are actively looking at energy recovery and production. Thermal oxidation involves the complete oxidation of all organic material by applying heat in the presence of excess oxygen. The volatile fraction of the feed material is converted to hot flue gases, while the non-volatile or inert fraction becomes ash. Thermal energy is often recovered from the high temperature flue gas and may be used to generate electricity using a steam turbine.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is the thermal conversion of carbonaceous biomass in the absence of oxygen.
Thermal Conversion in Supercritical Water
The concept of applying thermal conversion to liquids is attractive, since it eliminates the need for moisture removal and therefore reduces process energy requirements. Supercritical water (SCW) is a state in which water behaves as both a gas and a liquid and occurs at high temperatures (greater than 374°C) and pressure (greater than 221 bar).
For additional information, see biogasdata.org.
WEF continues to establish conditions that promote accelerated development and implementation of innovative technologies and approaches, and is collaborating with water sector partners in a call to action to accelerate resource recovery (WEF Strategic Plan, 2015).
Interested in volunteering with leaders in the industry?
Join the Residuals and Biosolids Committee.
Also see http://biosolidsresources.org/OE/
Interested in biogas? Learn more ...
As stated in WEF’s position statement, water resource recovery facilities have the potential to be energy neutral or even net energy producers through holistic energy management approaches, incorporating conservation practices, and generating renewable energy through treatment of their by-products, such as biosolids. Solids treatment provides the greatest potential for energy recovery and production, with the chemical energy embedded in biosolids greater than the energy needed for treatment.
Enabling Energy Recovery
Driven by rising energy costs and sustainability concerns, utilities are recovering previously wasted resources – flared biogas and waste heat – to increase their energy self-sufficiency. A variety of well-proven energy recovery technologies is available for onsite energy production, and innovative technologies are poised to expand the options.
The energy in wastewater exists in three forms: thermal energy, hydraulic energy, and chemical or calorific energy. There are many opportunities to convert the chemical energy in solids to a useable form (heat or fuel) through biological or thermal processes. Energy recovery options range from mature, well-established systems, such as anaerobic digestion (AD) and incineration, to emerging technologies, such as Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) and hydrothermal gasification. These options fall into two main categories: bioconversion and thermal conversion.
Biogas production through AD is limited to conversion of the readily biodegradable portion of the solids. To overcome this limitation, and thus maximize biogas production, co-digestion and pretreatment processes have become rapidly growing practices in recent years.
The biogas generated by AD systems is an extremely versatile fuel and can replace natural gas for heating and power generation needs. Heat recovery is by far the most common use of biogas, with a majority of facilities using biogas in boilers or recovering heat from CHP to heat digesters and/or buildings. The primary use of biogas at most facilities is digester heating. With increasing fuel costs and sustainability concerns, many plants are trying to maximize the use of biogas in place of purchased energy.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
Increasingly, plants are using biogas in CHP systems to generate electricity from the biogas. Internal combustion (IC) engines are the most widely used CHP technology. Combustion gas turbines are often a good fit for the largest WRRFs. Like IC engines, combustion gas turbines are a reliable, well-proven technology.
As the name suggests, a microturbine is a much smaller version of a combustion gas turbine. Microturbines are often a good fit for smaller WRRFs with anaerobic digestion. Microturbines have become the second most widely used CHP technology at WRRFs due to their small capacity and clean emissions.
Fuel cells are unique in that they do not combust biogas to produce power and heat. Instead, fuel cells convert chemical energy to electricity using electrochemical reactions. Their benefits include high electric efficiency and extremely clean exhaust emissions.
Biogas Upgrading
Currently, only 1% of the biogas beneficially used is upgraded to natural gas quality for injection into the natural gas transmission system. Biogas is also upgraded to CNG for use as fuel for CNG vehicles.
Pipeline Injection
Pipeline quality biogas has extremely low concentrations of contaminants and must be compressed to match the natural gas transmission line pressure.
CNG or LNG Vehicle Fuel
Biogas can be upgraded to displace CNG or liquid natural gas (LNG) in vehicles capable of using these fuels. In Europe, upgrading biogas to fuel vehicular fleets is an established practice. In the U.S., there are only a few installations. Purity requirements for vehicular fuel are lower than those for pipeline injection. The biggest barriers to CNG or LNG conversion are the lack of a widespread infrastructure for gas filling stations and the cost of vehicle conversion for CNG or LNG use.
Use of Biogas in Industrial Processes
There are several examples of efficient use of biogas by industries sited in proximity to WRRFs. In these situations, biogas that is untreated or minimally treated is provided to an industrial facility that utilizes the gas in its processes.
Thermal Conversion
In contrast to biological conversion (anaerobic digestion), thermal conversion of wastewater solids can make use of all of the chemical energy embedded in the solids, regardless of degradation potential.
Off-site Co-combustion
Instead of incinerating biosolids at the treatment plant, biosolids can be used to supplement or replace coal in cement kilns and coal fired power plants.
Gasification
Gasification is the thermal conversion of carbonaceous biomass into syngas.
Thermal Oxidation
Thermal oxidation (incineration) is the most established biosolids thermal conversion technology and has been used since the 1930s, and has been practiced in the wastewater sector mainly as a volume reduction/sterilization method of biosolids management. Looking toward the future, municipal utilities are actively looking at energy recovery and production. Thermal oxidation involves the complete oxidation of all organic material by applying heat in the presence of excess oxygen. The volatile fraction of the feed material is converted to hot flue gases, while the non-volatile or inert fraction becomes ash. Thermal energy is often recovered from the high temperature flue gas and may be used to generate electricity using a steam turbine.
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is the thermal conversion of carbonaceous biomass in the absence of oxygen.
Thermal Conversion in Supercritical Water
The concept of applying thermal conversion to liquids is attractive, since it eliminates the need for moisture removal and therefore reduces process energy requirements. Supercritical water (SCW) is a state in which water behaves as both a gas and a liquid and occurs at high temperatures (greater than 374°C) and pressure (greater than 221 bar).
For additional information, see biogasdata.org.
WEF continues to establish conditions that promote accelerated development and implementation of innovative technologies and approaches, and is collaborating with water sector partners in a call to action to accelerate resource recovery (WEF Strategic Plan, 2015).
Interested in volunteering with leaders in the industry?
Join the Residuals and Biosolids Committee.
Also see http://biosolidsresources.org/OE/
22 Sep
Sep 22, 2020
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
29 Sep
Sep 29, 2020
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
to 1:45 PM | Eastern
20 Oct
Oct 20, 2020
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
to 1:45 PM | Eastern