Population growth and regulatory changes have spurred the Ocean County Utilities Authority (OCUA) in New Jersey to outline the best means to accommodate additional sludge production. During the next 20 years, the authority expects the biosolids output from its three wastewater treatment plants to increase by 50 percent, from 9,000 dry-tons-per-year to roughly 13,500 dry-tons-per-year.
CDM has reviewed current sludge production, identified federal and state regulations regarding biosolids handling, and assessed the condition and capacity of existing sludge handling facilities. The authority currently manufactures fertilizer pellets and packages the product for sale in retail stores. Additionally, the product is sold in bulk to blenders and golf courses.
CDM's county-wide biosolids management plan will guide this fast-growing region in reducing capital, operations, and maintenance costs. Evaluations have determined OCUA's manufacturing facilities could safely operate for approximately 15 more years, and the comprehensive plan will suggest additional outlets for the authority's biosolids, including incineration, composting, and disposal sites in neighboring states.