‘Biosolids’ is a polite term for the solid matter left over after water is recycled from sewer systems.
Treating and disposing biosolids is one of the biggest environmental waste problems faced by water companies. The product is often buried and capped in concrete, sometimes composted with other green waste. Increasingly, it is the subject of investigation into reusing and recouping the valuable methane gas that
would otherwise contribute to odour problems. In what will be an Australian first, Yarra Valley Water (YVW) is developing a section of its sewerage treatment plant at Aurora that will convert biosolids into electricity. The project is expected to generate enough biogas to power the recycled water facility and sewage treatment plant and, in time, it could even offer green energy back into the local electricity grid.
YVW’s innovation and growth manager, Andrew Edney, said the biogas project would save the company money on power bills, reduce the expense of burying waste and, importantly, cut greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane to clean energy. It’s also anticipated the new co-gen plant would be capable of taking food waste from the nearby Epping wholesale fruit and vegetable market, once it’s operational.
“Aurora was chosen as it’s close to organic waste sources, has access to a major arterial road, and there’s a large buffer from residential and commercial premises,” Mr Edney said. “The waste to energy facility will provide an environmentally friendly disposal solution for organic wastes that can’t be composted. It’s a solution for reusing organic waste that would otherwise go to landfill.”
A detailed selection process was carried out to determine the best site for the energy plant. Yarra Valley Water will hold an information session tomorrow for people interested in learning more about the project. The session will be at Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre, 2 Snugburgh Way, Epping North, from 6pm until 8pm.
Visit: www.yvw.com.au
