Ask an Expert: What are the benefits of land application in operations expansion?

In this month’s feature, BC’s Jessica Joyner and Jamie Olivarez share key details about the benefits of incorporating land application into your operations and expansion plans..

Question: We are looking to expand our operations and want to explore land application opportunities. What are the first steps?

Answer: Expansion is a great time to explore the possibility of land application as you are already thinking about design and permitting.

Land application is the process of applying organic wastes to improve soil quality by serving as a source of nutrients. This process can reduce the amount of water being discharged into waterways or to nearby water treatment plants while also providing nutrient-rich irrigation.

Taking the extra time to explore land application options now will allow you to consider and execute the necessary design, treatment, studies, and more as required. As your business grows and wastewater quality and quantity changes, land application requirements may change as well. Here’s a quick rundown of things to consider:

How do we know if we are a good candidate for including land application in our wastewater plans?

Producers with good wastewater treatment up front are often good candidates. Some wastewater characteristics to consider are: organic components, odor, and biochemical oxygen demand.

What are the benefits to us as the producer?

Addressing industrial process water discharge through land application can be beneficial compared to discharge directly to the local publicly owned treatment works, which are often times expensive or not technically feasible in rural, agricultural areas. Additionally, utilizing wastewater in this manner can reduce your reliance on local freshwater sources as well as commercial fertilizers.

We do not have the need to utilize the wastewater ourselves. What are our other options when it comes to land application?

There are often opportunities to utilize your wastewater or a form of it such as compost after solidification with nearby partners such as farmers, agricultural companies, golf courses, and the like.

When it comes to compliance and permitting, what do we need to keep in mind?

Permitting at all levels (local, state, and federal) may be required. New permitting may be required whether you are working with your existing operations or looking to expand. In addition, various compliance efforts, such as land application management plans, annual reporting, and groundwater monitoring, will need to be maintained throughout.