19 May 2010

Wannon Water has received $135,000 to help research ways to gain further value from biosolids.

Biosolids are a by-product of the sewerage treatment process. The biosolids (once dried) are an effective soil conditioner, which is a sustainable way of using what was once considered waste.

Wannon Water, Managing Director Grant Green said, “A grant of $135,000 was announced at the launch of Round 7 of the Smart Water Fund in Melbourne yesterday.”

“Wannon Water was one of 17 innovative water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management projects announced by Shaun Cox, Chair of the Smart Water Fund at the launch,” Mr Green said.

Wannon Water, in partnership with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Real Power Systems Pty Ltd, will investigate whether biosolids and woody waste diverted from landfill can successfully be converted into synthetic gas for renewable energy production, which in turn could be fed back into the electricity grid.
 
“The research project will also look at how low value waste materials such as existing sewerage biosolids and waste diverted from landfill can be turned into a biochar product, which could potentially be used to improve soil health and moisture holding capacity, and sequester carbon for extremely long periods,” Mr Green said.

“The project includes an initial investigation phase to test the suitability of biosolids and chipped woody waste as fuels in the combustion process. If these investigations are successful, a pilot scale production plant will be established at Wannon Water’s Hamilton Water Reclamation Plant,” Mr Green said.

The first step of the project, the investigation phase, is expected to be completed by July 2010.

For further information, customers can phone Wannon Water on 1300 926 666. For information about biosolids, click here.

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