Sept. 20, 2013 -- The largest biosolids dryer facility in North America is planned to be operational by March of 2016 under contract for the city of Detroit, Mich.
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) selected New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO) as the prime contractor for the facility which will have a capacity of 316 dry tons per day. NEFCO will be responsible for the design, permitting, construction, long-term operations, and beneficial reuse of the finished product.
According to DWSD Assistant Director, Sam Smalley, "We are excited about this project's environmental and financial benefits which will serve the Detroit metropolitan area for decades into the future. We selected NEFCO through a transparent process as the most qualified biosolids management company to work with us as a long-term partner. We are very confident they will deliver."
NEFCO's winning contract is a critical element of DWSD's long-term biosolids management plan and will significantly reduce its biosolids operating costs. In addition, a sustainable biosolids product will be generated which can be used as a combustible fuel, premium fertilizer, or soil amendment.
According to NEFCO General Manager, Jim Sullivan, "We have a long history of successfully managing biosolids and reducing costs for our clients. At the same time, the end-product is a nutrient-rich material with fertilizer and thermal combustion properties that benefits the environment, agriculture, taxpayers and the municipality."
The new facility will be located directly across West Jefferson Avenue from the DWSD Wastewater Treatment Facility. According to Sullivan, that location will maximize reliability and allow for expansion. "The plan is consistent with industry best practices and will help DWSD handle large volume swings, improve overall operations, and reduce risks of regulatory non-compliance."
NEFCO will deliver the project using a Design-Build-Operate contract, an approach that NEFCO has incorporated successfully for other biosolids management facilities, with experienced team members providing the direction.
About NEFCO
New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCO) is a joint venture partnership of O’Connell Companies, Inc. and Dunn Associates, which was formed in 1986. The company specializes in biosolids management, tailoring solutions through evaluation, design, construction, permitting, energy optimization, operation and maintenance service, product distribution, and financing.
NEFCO serves clients ranging from small communities to some of the largest municipal utilities throughout North America. NEFCO's headquarters are located at 500 Victory Road, North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171. For more information:
(617) 773-3131, [email protected]. http://www.nefcobiosolids.com
###
