While many states and municipalities have relied on recycling programs as the primary solution to decreasing the burden on overcrowded landfills, the region of Northwest Arkansas is also looking into the way it handles the disposal of sewer sludge.
Recognizing inefficiencies that remain with recycling (the amount of different materials collected need to be high enough to make recycling an economical exercise), the area identified the removal of waste water as an additional way to make a positive environmental impact.
The city of Springdale disposes more than 20,000 tons of sludge into the landfill annually—at a cost of $1 million per year. By comparison, nearby cities such as Fayetteville and Rogers utilize facilities to dry (or dewater) wastewater sludge, cutting the weight of the sludge by two-thirds. Not only does it take up less landfill space, de-watered sludge is also cheaper to transport and dispose of than untreated waste.
Proper dewatering equipment and packaging is a cost effective investment for municipalities looking to divert material from area landfills. The process has additional environmental benefits, as well. After being properly treated, effluent water from the sludge can be reintroduced into the environment, making it compliant with EPA regulations under the Clean Water Act.
With a full line of dewatering filters and dewatering tubes, PacTec continues to develop innovative solutions for waste disposal. Its research and development team integrates the highest quality filtration substances in its systems to ensure that dewatering of all types of sludge can be done on-site, with assurances of effluent compliance.
To read more about Northwest Arkansas’ efforts to reduce landfill deposits, and to learn about PacTec’s dewatering solutions or contact a PacTec sales representative for more information.
