Current Municipal Sludge Utilization and Disposal

Current sludge disposal practices are defined by a recently completed survey of 1,008 randomly selected municipal wastewater treatment facilities stratified by each of the 50 states. The size distribution of the facilities is analyzed, and the number of disposal technologies currently utilized at each facility is documented. Prior to this study, municipal sludge utilization and disposal practices are not well inventoried. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency compiles data in biennial surveys, but the focus is projection of wastewater treatment needs by individual states. Consulting engineering firms keep internal audits on disposal practices, but the data is regional at best and limited to clients previously served by the individual firms. The study documented in this paper presents comprehensive data on current sludge disposal practices.