If land application of biosolids is so beneficial, why would any plant incinerate them?
Biosolids are incinerated for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that incineration is a safe and environmentally friendly utilization method. The two final products of incineration are sterile ash and clean air. Ash is completely free of pathogens and bacteria, and unlike occasionally odorous land applied biosolids, the Clean Air Act governs air emissions from incineration. Incinerated biosolids are also governed by the same 40 CFR Part 503 rule that pertains to land application. This means incineration is the most regulated of all biosolids utilization options. Another major reason biosolids are incinerated is that it is cost effective. With the higher transportation costs associated with land application, incineration can be economical. While biosolids have a nutritional value for plants, it also is a source of energy – call it a bio-fuel. Biosolids can be used to produce energy and in these energy dependent times, that can be an attractive benefit. Having an incineration
