Biosolids Composting
Challenges of Biosolids Composting
Biosolids composting facilities face the same challenges as commercial composting facilities, but with the difficult feedstocks that come from sewage treatment plants. Biosolids composting facilities need to operate efficiently, minimize odors and produce valuable products while managing environmental factors.
Stormwater Management
With PFAS and groundwater concerns on the rise, it has become more pertinent to ensure contaminated runoff is contained and properly treated. Our reliable and cost-effective solutions ensure that all contact water is controlled and either treated prior to discharge, or reused in the composting process.
Pathogen Destruction
To transform biosolids into a “class A” product, time and temperature requirements must be met in order to destroy harmful pathogens. To reliably achieve this requires a deep understanding of aeration requirements, compost recipes, and temperature monitoring.
Odor Management
If improperly managed, biosolids can have a very strong odor, capable of offending receptors miles away. GMT has developed numerous odor control technologies enabling our customers to operate even in the heart of densely populated urban areas.
Permitting and Public Relations
Almost all biosolids composting facilities require relatively extensive permitting. Through decades of experience, we have learned how to work with regulators and permit facilities that protect both the environment and objectives of our clients.
Our Solutions
Green Mountain Technologies was initially formed in 1992 primarily as a biosolids (sewage sludge) composting company. Our first products, the Containerized Compost System and Detainer dewatering device were designed to deal with the unique challenges presented by composting biosolids. Our continued innovation in this sector led to the development of the most cost-effective Tunnel Composting System, next generation containerized composting solutions, and many award winning ASP compost facilities.
1. Aerated Static Pile (ASP)
ASP composting eliminates the need for mechanical turning of the material, while speeding up the composting process to just 30 days, plus 4-8 weeks curing time (compared to 6+ months with turned windrow composting). Our ASP systems can reduce footprint and material handling costs by as much as 75% when compared to windrow composting.
Low
Opex
WebMACs
Controls
Low Handling Costs
4+ Week
Active Process
2. Containerized Composting System (CCS)
Proven for over 30 years to be a reliable way to process difficult feedstocks, the CompTainer CCS achieves aerated static composting in airtight vessels that can be moved and emptied by roll-off trucks. Ready to cure compost is produced in three to four weeks, with outstanding odor control and stormwater control.
Modular
Fully
Enclosed
Minimal
Odor
4+ Week
Active Process
3. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) + Geomembrane
Our geomembranes are PFAS free, and eliminate 90%+ emissions and VOCs from your compost pile. In most circumstances we do not recommend Geomembranes since you cannot aerate these systems as effectively, the membranes must be replaced every 5 to 10 years, and putting membranes on or off is inefficient.
Medium
Footprint
High
Opex
Low
Odor
6+ Week
Active Process
4. Tunnel Composting System
The CompoBox Tunnel System is the most cost effective in-vessel composting system on the market. Each CompoBox is enclosed within a hoop house and accessed through hydraulic load doors. Once filled the CompoBox tunnel system processes the feedstocks in positive, negative or reversing aeration capturing and treating all exhaust air.
Low
Opex
Fully
Enclosed
Minimal
Odor
4+ Week
Active Process
Related Projects
Learn More About Biosolids Composting Solutions
“I first met Jeff Gage around 1992, when my agency assigned me to find out why a major composting operation in our jurisdiction was creating odors that could be smelled 11 miles away. As the last two decades have gone by, Jeff became the go-to guy in the State of Washington, whenever I needed to learn something about composting not yet covered in the literature. My agency has never had to write a nuisance ticket on ANY of the facilities he was involved with. Lenz Composting, the composting factory at LRI Puyallup, and LRI Gig Harbor facility all have clean records with us. If you have two dozen suddenly deceased cattle to compost, (all in one pile), there is no one else I would trust to do the job. A couple of winters ago Jeff did just that at Lenz Composting, ODOR FREE! I’ve seen it, I’ve smelt it, and my agency has pictures to prove it.”
- Claude Williams, PE; Puget Sounds Clean Air Agency, Seattle WA
