Biosolids - An Alternative Fertiliser Solution

Biosolids are a nutrient rich organic material that has been produced to meet specific processing and quality criteria, regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Essentially comprised of a combination of water and organic materials produced through the recycled water treatment process, biosolids contain valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous.

Biosolids from Western Water have a soil like consistency and are transported and spread in a manner similar to other fertilisers, making them an Alternative Fertiliser Solution if applied under the right conditions. Biosolids can be used as:

  • Fertiliser
  • Soil conditioner
  • Topsoil substitute for landfill 
  • Composted with green waste
  • Structural material in road construction. 

Latest Biosolids Update

Adopting an Alternative Fertiliser Solution- The Benefit of using Biosolids.

On 22 July 2009 Western Water in conjunction with AgriWest hosted a half day information seminar at Eynesbury Homestead to discuss the benefits of using biosolids.
 
The 40 people who  attended the event were from a diversity of backgrounds including water authorities, local councils, agricultural groups and local landholders interested in utilising this valuable resource.  
Information was presented by biosolid specialists about c urrent biosolids management from a national and regional perspective including t he management of biosolids as an alternative fertiliser solution. Results of current research along with the future directions of Western Water in research and as a supplier of this valuable resource were also discussed. 

Beneficial Reuse

In working towards a sustainable future and reducing its environmental footprint, Western Water has a target of 100% beneficial reuse of biosolids by 2013. During 2008/09 Western Water beneficially reused 121% of all biosolids, this figure also includes the reuse of stockpiled biosolids.   

Our Biosolids Policy and strategy outline how Western Water plans to maximise the beneficial use of biosolids by adopting sustainable and environmentally acceptable biosolids management practices.

To assist with our target of 100% beneficial reuse, our Melton Recycled Water Plant has recently been upgraded to incorporate a dewatering facility. Not only does this facility assist with future reuse, it has also reduced a potential source of groundwater pollution.   

Biosolids Application

A thousand tonnes of biosolids produced at Western Water's Gisborne Recycled Water Plant were spread across the paddocks of a local Woodend farmer.

Mr Lester- Smith has had biosolids applied to his property as An Alternative Fertiliser Solution for the past four years to improve the health of his soil as part of his annual rotational cropping strategies. Read more about this project here.  

Through Partnerships with local farmer and communities, Western Water aims to continue to develop a sustainable industry and a high quality biosolids product.

If you would like to find out more about biosolids at Western Water please contact our Renewable Resources team via email or call  (03) 9218 5400.