Biosolids

The Pontiac Clinton River Water Resource Recovery Facility recently completed the construction of a new Thermal Hydrolysis Pretreatment (THP) system, sludge dewatering system improvements, expansion and improvement of the existing dewatered biosolids storage facility, and construction of a new septage receiving facility. The THP system is a newer and innovative process that involves conditioning of the sludge under high heat prior to anaerobic digestion. This process results in a more easily digested sludge and a Class A Exceptional Biosolids.

About Clinton River Biosolids

The Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) define Biosolids as "nutrient-rich organic materials, which remain following the treatment of domestic sewage at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). ... Biosolids are typically beneficially used on agriculture land, although under certain conditions biosolids can be used on forest lands, reclamation sites and public use sites."

Decades of studies have demonstrated that biosolids can be safely used on food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reviewed current practices, public health concerns and regulator standards, and has concluded that "the use of these materials in the production of crops for human consumption when practiced in accordance with existing federal guidelines and regulations, presents negligible risk to the consumer, to crop production and to the environment." In addition, an epidemiological study of the health of farm families using biosolids showed that the use of biosolids was safe.

We work with EGLE on all monitoring and reporting of our product. Below you will find the frequency.

Amount of Sewage Sludge 1 (metric tons per 365-day period)	Frequency
Greater than zero but less than 290	Once per year
Equal to or greater than 290 but less than 1,500	Once per quarter (four times per year)
Equal to or greater than 1,500 but less than 15,000	Once per 60 days (six times per year)
Equal to or greater than 15,000	Once per month (12 times per year)

Total Nitrogen (TN)
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3-N)
Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N)
Total Phosphorus (P)
Total Potassium (K)
Total Solids
Arsenic
Cadmium
Calcium
Chromium
Copper
Lead
Magnesium
Mercury
Molybdenum
Nickel
Selenium
Zinc
Density
pH
Total Volatile Solids
Fecal Coliform
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – 28 analytes

The plant consists of two geographically separate treatment facilities, the East Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Auburn Wastewater Treatment Plant. The East Boulevard Plant has a present average daily flow of 5 million gallons per day and the Auburn Plant has a present average daily flow of 14 million gallons per day. The two plants are interconnected, operated, and regulated like a single combined wastewater treatment plant.

Production of Exceptional Quality Class A Biosolids to be beneficially reused
Reduction in volume of biosolids by 50% and disposal costs by 50%
Reduction of the facility’s carbon footprint
Reduction in odors emitted from the facility
Reduction of the facility’s dependence on natural gas with the use of methane generated from anaerobic digesters

Our two-story, 15,800 square foot biosolids handling building houses multiple sludge pumps, sludge screening equipment, pre-THP and post-digestion biosolids dewatering centrifuges, the thermal hydrolysis process (THP) train, steam boilers, polymer storage and feed, electrical equipment, instrumentation and controls.

No. The biosolids produced from our Clinton River Water Resource Recovery Facility has just been classified as a Class A Exceptional Biosolids by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This product will be shared with local communities for the benefit of area parks and recreation.

Yes! For more information about touring the Clinton River Water Resources Recovery Facility call us at (248) 858-4325.

Additional Resources

Basics of Biosolids from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Biosolids information from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
EGLE Biosolids Laws & Rules Information

Questions about Our Biosolids?

If you have more questions about the Clinton River Facility or our Biosolids Process please contact us by sending an email to WRCbiosolids@oakgov.com.

Pontiac Clinton River Water Resource Recovery Facility