Jones & Henry to design innovative solution to Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant residual biosolids problem.
Striving to create a more sustainable residual biosolids disposal solution, Kalamazoo, Michigan, has partnered with Jones & Henry Engineers to design the next generation of biosolids handling for the Kalamazoo Water Reclamation Plant (KWRP). In addition to reducing the volume/mass of the residual biosolids to be trucked offsite, the initiative’s goals include fostering sustainability and reducing long-term costs for the system’s ratepayers.
Currently, Kalamazoo spends over $13.5 million each year on biosolids disposal. That expense highlights the urgent need for an efficient and sustainable solution, and the decision to partner with Jones & Henry is part of a structured three-phase approach.
The first phase involved a comprehensive review of industry-wide technology options and evaluating various methods. By presenting the information to the Good Governance Group, a group of the wastewater system’s internal and external stakeholders, the City and Jones & Henry ensured they included a broad perspective when assessing the best path forward. This phase identified three technology classes for a more probing study of their feasibility.
The next phase involved a deeper dive into feasibility, allowing the Good Governance Group to select a single technology to provide the KWRP with a more sustainable biosolids management future. The chosen method will influence how the KWRP processes and disposes of biosolids, ultimately reducing overall costs.
In the third phase, Jones & Henry will proceed with designing the construction of the new system. That will involve a proposed paired heat drying and thermal oxidation process added to the end of KWRP’s current biosolids dewatering process. That innovative approach would streamline the disposal process while significantly reducing disposal costs in the long run.
“We look forward to having J&H’s expertise in developing these designs that will help us implement the technology to effectively and efficiently remove solid waste from KWRP,” said James J. Baker, Public Services Director and City Engineer for Kalamazoo.
“Few engineers get an opportunity to work on a project as innovative and impactful as Kalamazoo’s biosolids initiative,” says Jones & Henry Principal and Senior Engineer Philip Teague, PE. “We are honored to be entrusted with this challenge and are committed to providing Kalamazoo with the highest quality engineering services.”
KWRP currently operates Michigan’s only powdered activated carbon wastewater treatment plant, managing a substantial sewer system that spans nearly 900 miles. The plant produces around 220 wet tons of biosolids and trucks them to landfills daily, a costly and environmentally taxing process.
While the proposed dryer and thermal oxidation system could cost more than $150 million to further process its biosolids, City staff believe the investment would pay for itself by drastically reducing operating costs.
“Doing so will save us and the City’s taxpayers millions of dollars over the next several years,” says Baker.
Kalamazoo’s commitment to creating a sustainable biosolids management strategy is a commendable step toward effective residual management. By investing in innovative technologies, the City aims to improve its wastewater treatment process and set an example for other municipalities with similar challenges.
“This is the future of solids handling at KWRP,” according to Baker, adding that the new infrastructure will enhance the overall environment in the community and beyond.
“For nine decades, Jones & Henry and Kalamazoo have worked together to protect the environment and maintain the public health and well-being of the ‘Mall City,’” says Aaron J. Davenport, Senior Vice President and Kalamazoo Office Director for Jones & Henry Engineers. “We are excited to partner with the City of Kalamazoo to chart the future of its biosolids management by implementing innovative technologies and sound engineering.”
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