Proceedings

Water companies relying on agricultural recycling as a major outlet for their biosolids have the sometimes competing pressures of cost efficiency and security of the disposal route to manage. Water Companies need to review their respective disposal strategies to ensure sensible estimation of landbank requirements for future sustainable use. Water Companies also have to be wary of competition from other organic materials. The usefulness of sludge to a farmer and hence its reputation is important. The requirements of a farmer will vary from area to area and between types of agriculture. Equal importance and care should be given to soil “health” and other farm requirements as to the treatment efficiencies when developing a sustainable disposal route

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of both the producer and end user to ensure safe and sustainable management of sludge. Water Companies need to understand and appreciate the long-term requirements of the end user in order to secure agricultural land outlets. It is vital that their products continue to meet the end user needs in order to secure the viability of this disposal route.

Key Words

Biosolids, CCL, CLP, Cost Reduction, HACCP, Regulations, Sewage Sludge.