54 February 2016 – The Authority

ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS SURVEYORS

www.larsondesigngroup.com

NEWSf rom our membersLate in 2015, Lancaster Area SewerAuthority (LASA) and Buchart Horn,a full-service international engineeringand architectural firm, broke ground ona $26.8 million biosolids upgrade andimprovement project in Lancaster, PA.

Michael A. Kyle, LASA ExecutiveDirector was PMAA’s president in2005.

The facility, which already meets EPAstandards, is beginning the upgrade as avoluntary, proactive project to reduceits environmental footprint. The projectwill result in Class A biosolids which isEPA’s highest standard.

“This is a significant project – not onlybecause of its significant constructioncost of $26.8 million, but also becauseof its importance in furthering theBoard’s mission – to provide qualityservice at reasonable cost, and two ofour strategic initiatives – to promotesubstantiality and encourage environ-mental stewardship,” said Barry Smith,LASA’s board chairman. “We carefullyplanned, studied, and evaluatedbiosolids processing alternatives. In theend, we are confident our final selec-tion of anaerobic digestion coupledwith heat drying and biogas will pro-vide a sound return on the Authority’s

investment dollars and will result in afinancially sustainable and environmen-tally friendly method of handling anddistributing our biosolids product –making what was in the past a nuisanceinto a resource to be recovered and re-used.”

The upgrade and expansion will in-clude adding anaerobic digesters and abiosolids (organic matter) dryer. Theanaerobic digesters will help to stabilizebiosolids while producing methane gas.The gas produced is then used to heatthe digesters and the biosolids dryer.

The biosolids dryer will exceed EPAstandards for stabilizing biosolids,which will allow the biosolids to besafely reused. The efficiency of theseupgrades will result in reducing theenvironmental impact of the facility.

“This project is positive for the envi-ronment, for local jobs, and for thiscommunity,” said Brian Funkhouser,president of Buchart Horn, which willserve as the project manager of theupgrade and final expansion. “We’reproud to be a part of a project that pro-motes sustainability and innovative

February 2016 – The Authority 55

thinking for the betterment of theentire region.”

About LASA

LASA currently owns, operates andmaintains a sanitary sewer system thatserves approximately 37,000 customersrepresenting about 100,000 citizensand 1,300 businesses located in eightLancaster County municipalitiesincluding East Hempfield Township,West Hempfield Township, LancasterTownship, Manor Township, ManheimTownship, East Petersburg Borough,Mountville Borough, and ColumbiaBorough. The LASA system includesapproximately 560 miles of pipeline, 38pumping stations and a treatment facil-ity designed to treat 15 million gallonsof wastewater per day. The guidingprinciple of the Authority is to providequality service and apply technology toprocess wastewater so as to protect andenhance the environment, health, andwell-being of the community at a rea-sonable cost.

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About Buchart Horn

Buchart Horn, Inc. is a full-service,international engineering and architec-tural firm with 15 offices throughoutthe Eastern United States and WesternEurope. As one of the first professionalconsulting companies to combine engi-neering and architecture under oneroof, Buchart Horn’s professional serv-ices focus on three crucial areas essen-tial to every community: WaterResources (water and wastewater treat-ment systems, and strategies to protectand improve our natural environment);Architecture (designing the buildingswhere we live, work, learn, and play);and Transportation (highways, bridgesand airports). Celebrating its 70th yearin business in 2015, clients range fromlocal, county, state, and federal govern-ments to large and small private sectorclients.

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Biosolids

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich treatedorganic materials generated from waste-water treatment. When treated andprocessed, they can be recycled andapplied as fertilizer to improve andmaintain productive soils and stimulateplant growth. Depending on the typeof treatment received, biosolids can befrom 2% to 95% solids, anywhere froma thick liquid to a dry pellet form.Biosolids are carefully monitored andmust be used in accordance with regu-latory requirements.

Biosolids vs. Sewage Sludge

The terms biosolids and sewage sludgeare often used interchangeably. Whenproperly treated and processed, sewagesludge becomes biosolids.

EPA defines sewage sludge as the solidsseparated during the treatment ofmunicipal wastewater. The definitionincludes domestic septage (residualsfrom on-lot septic tanks). EPA definesbiosolids as treated sewage sludge thatmeets the EPA pollutant and pathogen

requirements for land application andsurface disposal.

You will see the term sewage sludgeused in the context of regulations, asEPA has established a protective regula-tory framework to manage the use anddisposal of sewage sludge. Biosolids canbe recycled and applied as fertilizer toimprove and maintain productive soilsand stimulate plant growth. Effectivesewage sludge and biosolids manage-ment options help ensure that usefulmaterials are recycled on land andharmful materials are not released towater bodies or the environment.

Chair, Business & Finance Departmentdavid.nasatir@obermayer.com

215-665-3036www.obermayer.com

Representing:

•• Municipalities

•• School Boards

•• Authorities

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