Biosolids Air Drying

Epsom Environmental Services have a great deal of experience air drying sludge to comply with EPA Biosolids Guidelines. Sludge is often dried and stockpiled for future land application. Alternatively, it can be dried and immediately applied to land.

It is important sludge is dried sufficiently before stockpiling. We have witnessed, first hand, three year old stockpiles which contain wet sludge internally that fail pathogen testing.

If sludge is dried and immediately applied to land the drying technique is of even greater importance.

Over many years our operators have developed methodology which reduces both moisture and pathogen content. Sludge can be placed in windrows and/or spread out with earth moving equipment depending on how spadable it is, the space available and a number of other factors. The height and width, as well as turning intervals are import drying factors. For pathogen reduction it is important sludge is subject to heat, rather than having the moisture drawn out by simply rolling the sludge around in the dirt.

It is recommended weather conditions and rainfall are taken into consideration when planning an air drying project. Drying in the summer months often provides the best possible outcome.

 

Air Drying Equipment

 Our specialist equipment for air drying includes:

• tractor and windrow turner
• front end loaders with wide floatation tires
• excavators with specifically designed attachments
• sieves/screens for removing contaminants such as rag and rocks

 

If required, Epsom Environmental Services have the experience and resources to dry and compost sludge in compliance with AS4454 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches. See our Resources page for links to relevant Standards and for each states Biosolids Guidelines, including Victoria, NSW, SA, Tasmania and WA.