[USCC] Addition of Water Treatment Plant (Lime) Sludge to Biosolids for Composting

[KPowell@kdhe.state.ks.us]

Good Early Morning Compost World,

We have a medium size biosolids composting facility that would like to add
lime sludge to biosolids and wood chips for composting for odor control and
to make the compost have some characteristics as ag lime.  They are
proposing adding between 20% and 30% lime sludge to a mix of biosolids and
wood chips at the start of the composting process.  Two concerns I have are
disrupting the composting process because of it being too alkaline and the
end product having a high pH.  Has anyone done any experimentation with
this type of mix?   Does the amount of lime sludge being added seem to be
too high or about right?  They are currently producing a Class A compost
and would like to continue to produce this product.  Is the production of a
Class A compost possible with this mix.

Thanks for any help.


Ken Powell
Environmental Scientist
SW Processing Facilities Unit
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Bureau of Waste Management
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320
Topeka, KS  66612-1366
Phone: (785) 296-1121
Fax: (785) 296-1592
E-mail  kpowell at kdhe.state.ks.us
www.kdheks.gov/waste