The city of Beatrice, Nebraska, with a population of 12,994, implemented a year-round composting program in 1991 using a Brown Bear auger tractor. This program aimed to process all sewage sludge and yard waste generated by the city.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Climate: Beatrice experiences temperature extremes, from -20°F in winter to over 100°F in summer, similar to other cities at its latitude.
- Volume: The city produces 38.5 cubic yards of sewage sludge per week, along with a significant amount of yard waste.
- 1990 State Law: This law prohibited the disposal of yard waste in landfills, requiring an alternative solution.
- Previous Equipment Limitations: Existing equipment, like modified feedlot mixers, couldn’t handle the volume or winter conditions.
Beatrice’s Solution:
- Brown Bear Auger Tractor: This machine, with a 12-foot auger and hydrostatic traction, could effectively mix and aerate large volumes of sludge and yard waste, even in difficult conditions.
- Windrow Composting: Building windrows to a sufficient depth (at least 3 feet) allowed for heat retention and winter composting.
Benefits of the Brown Bear and the Composting Program:
- Efficiency: The Brown Bear processed an average of 2,000 cubic yards of material per month, working only 6 hours a day.
- Cost Savings: Labor costs were cut in half, and the need for a second employee was eliminated.
- High-Quality Compost: The Brown Bear’s mixing action resulted in 503-compliant compost, which was in high demand locally.
- Environmental Benefits: The compost enhanced soil fertility, reduced the need for chemical fertilizers, and provided a sustainable waste management solution.
- Year-Round Operation: The Brown Bear allowed for composting even in cold weather by building and managing deep windrows.
- Additional Capacity: The Brown Bear could potentially process an additional 2,000 cubic yards per month if needed.
Compost Use and Acceptance:
- The finished compost was used by farmers, gardeners, homeowners, and city departments.
- Its high quality and unrestricted use made it highly sought after, exceeding supply.
Program Evolution:
- The composting program began in 1979 as a response to an EPA requirement for sludge disposal.
- It initially involved open-air composting with sawdust and wood chips as bulking agents.
- In 1991, operations moved to a larger site at the city landfill, allowing for expansion and improved efficiency.
- A third site was added in 1995, further increasing capacity.
Key Personnel:
- Bruce Bates: Superintendent of the Water Pollution Control Department, with 38 years of experience.
- Jerry Carmichael: Brown Bear operator, responsible for composting operations and site maintenance.
The city of Beatrice’s composting program, utilizing the Brown Bear auger tractor, serves as an example of an effective and sustainable waste management system that benefits both the environment and the community.
