Sanitary District Trucks Out More Than 10,000 Tons of Biosolids During Annual Harvest

transporated approximately 10,500 tons of biosolids to Livermore's Altamont Landfill this past September as part of its annual harvest.

About 600 truckloads of the biosolids were taken to be layered over the waste. Jason Warner, general manager at OLSD, said this solid matter extracted from wastewater "provides a barrier from vectors coming into the landfill" at the Altamont Landfill.

Aside from repelling rats and seagulls, Warner says it's also an organic addition to the dump site.

"We're disposing of it in the most conservative way possible," he said.

The solid material has been collected from wastewater, placed in solar drying beds and churned over time until it meets Class A guidelines. According to Warner, this is the highest grade of the three main classifications of biosolids that are free of pathogens.

The move took place during a three-week period in September.

"The big thing is to beat the rain," Warner said.

However, on Sept. 21, midway through the process, the district received complaints about dust-like particles blowing out of the open-beded trucks driving out of the plant.

"The same day, we contacted the trucking firm who immediately responded by further wetting of the loads, covering them, and dispatching a street sweep," Warner said.

For questions or further information about Oro Loma Sanitary District, visit their website at http://www.oroloma.org/ or call 510-276-4700.