Biosolids need to be moved

THE Toowoomba Regional Council needs someone to collect and remove the phosphorus-rich remains of the region’s hardest-working sewage treatment plant.

The TRC released a new tender this month asking for bids from contractors wanting to collect, remove and transport the biosolids created by the Wetalla Waste Water Reclamation facility in Cranley, north of the city.

Water and waste portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said the fertiliser created by breaking down 7300 megalitres of sewage every year had big benefits for certain crops, like cotton.

“Wetalla receives over 20ML of sewage per day and uses biological processes, such as natural microbes to breakdown human waste and food scraps, to turn human waste into soil conditioner or fertiliser,” he said.

“Biosolids are the dead bacteria

‘‘ WETALLA RECEIVES OVER 20ML OF SEWAGE PER DAY AND USES BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES TO TURN HUMAN WASTE INTO FERTILISER.

BILL CAHILL

that remain after the waste is broken down.

“Due to the volume of biosolid produced, council calls a tender for the collection, removal and transportation of biosolids by a private contractor.

“The successful bidder is then engaged by landholders to deliver and apply the collected biosolid as fertiliser or soil conditioner to growing areas for crops in line with environmental guidelines.”

Cr Cahill said the council was looking into future cost recovery opportunities involving biosolids disposal.

To apply for the tender, head to www.lgtenderbox.com.au.