1995-02-08_REVISION - M1977493 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Summit County with an assumed average nitrogen content of 3%, annual coverage was calculated at 2.2 tons per acre or 454. 5 acres. No initial application rate was specified. Handling and Use of Biosolids at Climax With the operational assistance of Summit County Producers, Climax has explored current technologies for producing a Grade A or Excellent Quality (EQ) composted sludge. The intent of any composting activity conducted with Summit County Biosolids would . be to develop a soil amendment that could be used throughout the site while stabilizing and decomposing material that generally requires time to degrade at high elevations. The incorporation of a carbon source such as wood chips or the inclusion of lime into the sludge matrix can create a Grade A product. While Grade A material is ultimately desired, stabilization and winter storage of the material is of primary concern in biosolids handling at Climax. Summit County produces the most sludge in winter months during the ski season and there are specific restrictions against application to snow covered land. Climax has therefore sited a winter deposition area where biosolids may be placed on a sawdust pad. Incorporation of wood and lime will ensue with the purchase of equipment and awarding of a handling contract. The resultant material is expected, in the near term, to be a product somewhere between a Grade B and Grade A material that meets a portion of the soil lime requirement and contains sufficient organic matter to condition the surface for revegetation. Mixtures with ratios of between 1: 1 and 5: 1 wood chip to biosolids and 1 to 1.5: 1 lime to biosolids have been discussed. The ultimate mixture will be determined by economics and the product obtained. Climax will operate the land application site with conventional agricultural equipment for mixing, stacking, and applying the biosolids. A uniform product is desired of the process for suitable reclamation over the entire pond surface. Nitrogen Application At some issue is the current requirement under the most recent Notice of Authorization that plant available nitrogen application on Robinson Tailing Pond be no more than 75 poundG per acre. This number, drawn from the 1977 Climax Reclamation Permit, represents the initial inorganic fertilizer requirement specified for revegetation activity at the Climax Mine. The use of sewage sludge ". . .for revegetation on the Climax property. . . " (Climax Reclamation Permit, 1977) is not specified as fertilization yet implies use as a soil amendment for both plant growth and fertility. The nitrogen content within the sewage sludge can provide organic fertilization to reclaim areas as well as soil conditioning beyond the capabilities of inorganic fertilizer.