Kodiak to Begin Composting Sewage

Erik Wander/KMXT

The City of Kodiak’s pilot study to determine the best way to deal with bio-solids left over from the sewage treatment plant, has gotten underway. A composting project, set to continue through the summer, is intended to convert large amounts of sludge into useable compost.

In January 2007, the borough notified the city that bio-solids generated from the city’s sewage system would not be accepted at the borough landfill indefinitely, according to City manager Aimee Kniaziowski. She said this prompted the need for a study to determine alternatives for the disposal of sludge, and a consulting firm was brought in in 2008 to conduct just such a study.

— (Kniaziowski 1 19 sec. "They had work that … as well as the borough.")

Among the alternatives CH2M Hill proposed was incineration, which Kniaziowski said was too energy intensive and too expensive. Thus the less expensive compost pilot project was born. Kniaziowski said the project is now in its very beginning stages.

— (Kniaziowski 2 25 sec. "The city is currently … that over the summer.")

Kniaziowski said the compost must meet Department of Environmental Conservation guidelines in order for the pilot study to be considered successful and a viable option for future, long-term implementation. She also said the availability of sufficient amounts of wood is a concern.

— (Kniaziowski 3 25 sec. "They already knew it was … can safely be used.")

According to Kniaziowski, between 250 and 400-thousand pounds of sludge are generated in Kodiak each month, including what is collected from the Coast Guard base and delivered to the city for treatment. She said the city is still exploring options for where and how the final product of the composting project can be used.

— (Kniaziowski 4 42 sec. "If the compost meets the … want to move forward.")

Kniaziowski said similar projects have been successful elsewhere in the state, noting Fairbanks as an example. She said composting and testing will continue over the summer, after which a final report will be issued by spring 2010.

I’m Erik Wander.

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