Biosolids in the Future

Mankato, MN: The Future of Biosolids

Mankato, MN, a small city in southern Minnesota, was recently recognized by the National Biosolids Partnership with environmental management system (EMS) Certification. Mankato’s wastewater treatment facility is the first organization in Minnesota and the 28th in the nation to achieve this certification.

Some of the benefits Mankato has seen from the EMS process include:

• Energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions resulting in the use of 95% of methane generated.
• Solids content in biosolids being sent for land application has increased from 18% to 20%, resulting in better quality product and lower transportation and energy costs.

The National Biosolids Partnership is a not-for-profit alliance formed in 1997 with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, Water Environment Federation, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its goal is to advance environmentally sound and accepted biosolids management practices. Biosolids producers, service contractors, and users—together with regulatory agencies, universities, farmers, and environmental organizations—have input into shaping NBP priorities through scientific and technical support relating to biosolids issues.

The type of system in place in Mankato is a bright indicator of the future of biosolids. In fact, Mankato City Manager Pat Hentges noted, “Who knows, in the future it might be a closed system,” where wastewater could be cleaned and reused as drinking water.

For more information about clean, environmentally efficient biosolids processing, contact us today and learn how Schwing Bioset can help your operation, or visit our website to read more about our products and solutions.