Proceedings

To determine the future of its biosolids processing and disposal, the Hillsborough
County Water Department determined that a comprehensive biosolids master plan was
necessary. The purpose of the biosolids master plan was to provide the County a clear path
forward to better plan and manage all aspects of its future biosolids processing as well as
disposal/reuse practices. Currently, the least costly option is to land apply biosolids that meet
the criteria for EPA Part 503 Class B biosolids.

However, with the regulatory climate changing in Florida, neighboring County’s are beginning
to restrict or prohibit land application of Class B biosolids. In addition, increased fuel costs are driving up biosolids hauling costs. Due to these
factors affecting Class B land application, the Hillsborough County Water Department has
decided to develop a sustainable plan for the future of their biosolids management including
the production of biosolids meeting Class A requirements.

The County retained MWH to prepare a long range Biosolids Master Plan. MWH began the
process by conducting several workshop sessions in an effort to better understand the
County’s existing and future biosolids issues. Several site visits and interviews were conducted
with the operations staff at each of the County’s wastewater treatment facilities.
The key elements of the Biosolids Master Plan included:

• quantifying existing and future biosolids

• identifying applicable Class A processes for further investigation

• developing alternative project configurations, locations, and phasing for the proposed facilities

• evaluating and assessing the biosolids market conditions