BIOSOLIDS
Loop Organics biosolids beneficial use contract services include biosolids dewatering, drying, collection, transport and land application.
Experience
The key staff of Loop Organics have worked in the wastewater industry for the majority of their ongoing careers. Through our lifelong commitment to this industry we have built a valued network of connections and resources both within Australia and overseas. Loop Organics currently provide biosolids beneficial use services under contract to Barwon Water, Coliban Water and Central Highlands Water and have been involved in the establishment of some of Australia’s longest running biosolids reuse schemes.
Collection and Transport
Loop Organics uses trained and experienced staff and contractors to undertake the collection and transport of biosolids from site. Our focus is to provide safe and satisfactory service to the client at an efficient price. Services include undertaking all regulatory, stakeholder and community consultation prior to and during the project, including transport and Council approvals.
Air Drying
Air drying is a low cost process of dewatering through evaporation, exposing biosolids to wind and solar radiation by frequent turning. It is particularly suited to lagoon based systems where lagoons can be taken offline and when there is ample space for processing (turning and windrowing). It is a cost effective method of preparing biosolids for land application as it improves quality and significantly lowers transport and application costs.
Once the target solids content is achieved through drying, stockpiling of the biosolids can occur until required by the farmer or other user.
Beneficial Reuse
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is the most common end use for biosolids, and for biosolids in Australia more generally, due to the large area of agricultural land relative to population size. Research in Australia and overseas has demonstrated the benefits of biosolids on soil fertility, soil structure and crop yields.
MINE REHABILITATION
Mine rehabilitation involves the replacing of topsoil which was removed for the open cut mining operation. The soil is usually stockpiled and replaced to restore the site to its previous use, such as grazing pastures, native grasses or tress. Long-term storage of the top soil can result in a decline in soil quality and many mines experience a shortage of suitable topsoil. Therefore poor quality subsoil and/or mining spoil are often used for rehabilitation which have limited value as plant growth media.
Biosolids have been recognised as a beneficial organic soil amendment that can improve the outcome of rehabilitation programs.
COMPOSTING
Biosolids are a valuable source of nitrogen, phosphorus, trace elements and moisture and can help to create the correct nutrient mixture for composts using woody green waste and other high carbon-containing inputs. The used end product is a material without any detectable pathogens that can be used as a soil conditioner or fertiliser for gardens, food crops and grass lands.
These beneficial uses of composting can support growers by saving money, reducing the need for pesticides and conserving natural resources.
