Case Study: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago achieves upgraded biosolids management and $30M savings with Veolia North America

Upgrading Biosolids Management in Chicago

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) needed a compact, cost-effective biosolids management solution for its densely populated service area and engaged Veolia North America under a 20-year design/build/finance/own/operate/manage and maintain contract to deliver a new state-of-the-art biosolids drying and pelletizing facility at the Stickney Wastewater Treatment Plant. The challenge was to replace open-air disposal with a small-footprint process capable of handling 150 dry tons per day while minimizing odors and community impact.

Veolia North America implemented an indirect drying and pelletizing system using four SEGHO-dryer pelletizer trains to produce about 50,000 tons of EQ Class A pelletized biosolids as fertilizer and soil conditioner, with advanced thermal controls to prevent odors. The project upgraded MWRDGC’s biosolids program, produced marketable recycled products deemed safe by the U.S. EPA, and is expected to save the district approximately $30 million over the life of the contract while operating as a good neighbor in the community.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago