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

Tue Aug 22 15:20:18 CDT 2006

The addition of lime sludge at the suggested rates could change both the composting process and the product that is generated. As pH goes above 7 the ammonia will be volatized and as pH approaches 12 microbial activity will be significantly reduced.  The addition of lime will not eliminate odors but will change their character. In addition, you must consider the plans for the distribution and marketing of the end product. The high pH and high lime product will be valuable for filed crops where soil pH needs adjustment, but will limit use as a general compost product. For example, the high pH and high calcium levels will be good for turf will restrict use on ericaceous plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas.   
>From: KPowell at kdhe.state.ks.us
>Date: 2006/08/22 Tue AM 07:57:57 CDT
>To: compost at composter.com
>Subject: [USCC] Addition of Water Treatment Plant (Lime) Sludge to Biosolids	for Composting

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>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
>
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