Sludge, or biosolids as they’re known in the industry, is what is left over when municipal wastewater is treated and reclaimed. For years OWASA has been recycling biosolids into fertilizer.

The liquid sludge goes through a high-temperature anerobic digestion process at the Mason Farm wastewater treatment plant, then gets sprayed onto 1,000 acres of farmland in Orange, Chatham and Alamance counties.

But this process has come under scrutiny from public health officials, environmental activists and those living near the spray sites.

Now, OWASA officials are investigating the feasibility of drying all biosolids and selling them to McGill Environmental Systems in Chatham County to use as compost.

Administrators say switching to the composting process will minimize nuisances such as odors and noise for residents near the spray sites. They also note drying the biosolids will require less fuel to haul than the liquid, and reduce the chance of a spill during transit or application.

If approved, the switch is estimated to save $100,000 in maintenance and operating costs each year.

The OWASA board will discuss the plan at its January 8 meeting. You can read the full report on biosolid disposal here.

Related Stories
‹
OWASA Prepares for Public Hearing While Weighing Latest Round of Rate Increases
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority, OWASA, is considering a 7% rate increase to help cover project costs for major infrastructure upgrades.
Water Main Break Closes Chapel Hill Road; OWASA Issues Boil Water Advisory for Affected Customers
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority responded to a water main break in Chapel Hill on Thursday morning along Willow Drive.
On Air Today: Wonderful Water With OWASA's Director of Distribution and Collection Jesse DuClau
Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) Director of Distribution and Collection Jesse DuClau joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey for our monthly Wonderful Water conversation. He discussed OWASA's role in supporting Western North Carolina during Hurricane Helene recovery.
Pair of Projects Set to Close E. Rosemary Street in Chapel Hill for Nearly 2 Weeks
A popular downtown street in Chapel Hill will close for around two weeks due to a pair of projects, according to the town government. An update shared Thursday said East Rosemary Street between Columbia Street and Henderson Street will close to through traffic starting on Saturday. The projects are the Orange Water and Sewer Authority […]
Wonderful Water: OWASA Deputy Executive Director Monica Dodson
Orange Water and Sewer Authority Deputy Executive Director Monica Dodson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 23. She discussed OWASA's compliance with a 2021 rule requiring an inventory of all of the utility's drinking water service lines. She shared that now lead was found in any of those service lines, but a little over 100 customers will need to have some pipes replaced. She discussed those processes and more.
On Air Today: Wonderful Water With OWASA's Katie Hall and DHHS's Kennedy Holt
Orange Water and Sewer Authority's Public Information Officer Katie Hall and Department of Health and Human Services Toxicologist Kennedy Holt spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 30. They discussed the third community chat on PFAS hosted by OWASA, which will be Wednesday, October 2 at the Chapel Hill Public Library.
OWASA Presents Early Plans for $75 Million Facility, Rate Increases to Address PFAS Regulation
OWASA is planning a major facility to remove PFAS from customers' drinking water. But its price tag means steep short-term rate increases.
On Air Today: Wonderful Water With OWASA Planning and Development Manager Kim Nimmer
OWASA Planning and Development Manager Kim Nimmer spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, August 30. She discussed the importance of water conservation during times of drought as well as when there is plenty of water. She discussed conservation methods, discussed some trends in water consumption and the number of customers OWASA serves, and more.
On Air Today: Wonderful Water With Allison Spinelli, OWASA Engineering Manager for Capital Projects
Orange Water and Sewer Authority's Engineering Manager for Capital Projects Allison Spinelli spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, July 29. She discussed how OWASA will be treating drinking water for PFAS, and talked about the next community chat on PFAS. That chat will be happening at Lanza Cafe in Carrboro on Tuesday, July 30.
OWASA Granted $3.25 Million in State Funds to Replace Water Service Lines
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority is set to receive substantial funding from North Carolina to inspect and replace older water lines.
›