In the first of a two-part study produced for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MassDEP”), the “PFAS and Residuals Technology and Management Study”, produced in collaboration with the consulting firms Tighe and Bond and Brown and Caldwell, aimed to establish the current landscape for managing septage from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. According to MASSDEP:
“Based on work performed as part of this project, it is estimated that 165,683 dry U.S. tons of wastewater sludge were generated in 2023. Sludge production is expected to grow to 172,200 dry-tons in the next five years. Very little additional capacity at existing facilities or capacity at new facilities of any type were identified that will be available in this timeframe, and some outlets will no longer be available. It is therefore estimated that a minimum of 7% of the sludge generated in Massachusetts in 2028 (11,826 dry tons) will be unable to be accommodated by existing methods.”
Septage management in Massachusetts is served by public-owned treatment works (“POTWs”) within the Commonwealth and in the region. While septage management is closely tied to sewage sludge end-use and those concerns, transportation and processing of septage at these POTWs appears adequate for now. However, the regulatory landscape in New England is constantly shifting with many interdependencies among the states in the region. While there are not currently limits on septage receiving at POTWs in the region, there may be significant repercussions if Massachusetts or another state enact more stringent regulations.
The projected growth of sludge needing outlets in the Commonwealth to 172,200 dry tons over the next five years highlights a significant challenge for waste management. The study suggests that Massachusetts WRRFs, landfills, incinerators, and composting facilities currently have minimal capacity to handle this increase. Additionally, with no new outlets or capacity expected and existing ones nearing their limits, the situation could lead to a substantial waste management crisis if solutions are not developed. It may be essential for stakeholders to explore innovative strategies or alternative waste management methods to address this impending issue.
A link to the full study can be found here: Residuals & Biosolids | Mass.gov
In addition to the projected lack of available outlets with the anticipated growth in wastewater/septage sludges produced, sludge management costs are expected to increase by approximately 35%. The study found average disposal costs for the last five years (2018-2023) was $156/ton for cake and $0.16/gallon for liquid. The cost for cake disposal is projected to range from $190 – $250 a ton by 2028.
Part 2 of the study is expected to be completed in 2025, focusing on regulatory issues, source reduction strategies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and technologies for material minimization and PFAS treatment for sludge.
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Earthcare’s carbonization technology is emerging as a significant advancement in the management of municipal biosolids. Its ability to reduce volume, destroy PFAS, enhance throughput, and capture carbon positions it as a potential game-changer for state and local municipalities. With an increasing number of municipal facilities in development, this technology could transform how authorities handle biosolids, addressing both environmental concerns and the challenges posed by growing waste volumes. Implementing such innovative solutions may be crucial for sustainable waste management practices in the face of projected growth in sludge disposal needs.