Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) board members Wednesday at a special called meeting voted unanimously to approve a contract with Tennessee-based Environmental Power Strategies, LLC (EPS) to dry and haul sludge from the wastewater treatment plant. The move will be a cost-saving of $3 per ton over the current rate.

The contract allows EPS to install and operate its rotary kiln dryer on WASA property and to transport the sludge off-site once the thermal process is complete. The dryer will be located at the WASA site located between Line Creek and the southwest side of Falcon Field.

Sludge, also known as biosolids, is the semi-solid, water-laden remains of liquid material that is produced during the wastewater treatment process. The Class B sludge produced locally is currently shipped to south Georgia at a cost of $48.50 per ton.

The agreement with EPS will reduce that cost to $45 per ton and, due to the drying process, will create a Class A sludge that is lighter and said to be essentially free of pathogens. Class A sludge is more readily available to be combined with other organic materials for use as fertilizer.

WASA in the three-year contract assumes no liability for the sludge once it is transferred to and accepted by EPS.

The board also authorized General Manager Stephen Hogan to negotiate easement rights with Atlanta Natural Gas Company and apply for notice of intent with Georgia Environmental Protection Division for land disturbance since the installation of the dryer will require a tap of Atlanta Gas lines. EPS will be responsible for the utility costs.

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