The City of Roswell, New Mexico, upgraded its sludge handling system in 1985 and has since experienced significant savings in land requirements, work hours, and costs. As a result, Wastewater Plant Efficiency increased and this upgrade earned the plant a Merit Award from the Rocky Mountain Environment Association and an Outstanding Achievement Award from the New Mexico Water & Wastewater Association. Let’s examine the components and benefits of this award-winning system.
Key Features of the Roswell System
One major innovation is the use of paved drying beds instead of traditional sand-based drying beds. This design significantly reduces the required land area and allows for mechanical removal of dried sludge, saving both money and labor. Additionally, the heart of the system is a Brown Bear tractor, a multi-purpose machine equipped with a paddle-type auger for mixing, aerating, and turning the sludge. It also includes a bucket for loading and stockpiling. This single machine replaced the need for a large crew of laborers who previously performed these tasks manually.
Cost Savings and Efficiencies
The paved beds and Brown Bear tractor have resulted in substantial savings for the Roswell Wastewater Plant:
- Capital Investment: The use of paved beds reduced initial construction costs by approximately $370,600 compared to sand beds.
- Operating Expenses: The efficient operation of the Brown Bear and paved beds saves the plant an estimated $27,305 annually, mainly due to reduced labor and material costs.
- Land Requirements: The paved beds require significantly less land than sand beds, resulting in savings on land acquisition and maintenance.
Environmental Benefits
Beyond cost savings, the Roswell system offers several environmental advantages:
- Reduced Odor and Insects: The efficient drying process and frequent turning of sludge minimize odor and insect problems, improving conditions for plant workers and nearby residents.
- Beneficial Soil Additive: The dried sludge is composted and given away as a soil additive, providing valuable nutrients for crops, gardens, and lawns.
- Compliance with Regulations: The system consistently meets all state and federal regulations for sludge composting, including stringent 40 CFR 503 standards.
The success of the Roswell Wastewater Plant’s innovative system is a testament to adopting efficient and environmentally sound practices in wastewater treatment. Ultimately, it serves as an inspiring model for other communities seeking to improve their biosolids management. Wastewater Plant Efficiency should be something to consider.
- Turning Waste into Resources: Explore the benefits of composting and efficient waste management here.
- Brown Bear Equipment for Waste Management: Learn how Brown Bear equipment enhances wastewater treatment efficiency here.
- Case Study on Composting Success: Read about successful composting programs in other communities here.
- Roswell Water Utility Awards: This page provides information about the awards received by the Roswell Water Utility, highlighting its recognition for excellence in water management. Roswell Water Utility.
- Water Environment Federation (WEF) Awards: The WEF recognizes municipalities for their innovative practices in wastewater management. This program may provide insights into similar awards and recognitions that align with Roswell’s achievements. National MS4 Awards Program .
- Georgia Treatment Facility Innovations: While focused on Georgia, this article discusses advancements in wastewater treatment technology that could be relevant to understanding trends in the field, including innovations like membrane technology. Georgia Treatment Facility
