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EWA’s Biosolids Program. Utilizing Biosolids Marketing to Improve Your Bottom Line. Encina Water Pollution Control Facility. How Did We Get Here?. Crisis – Strategy – Management. EWA in Fiscal Year 2001. Influent of 22.4 MGD Class B biosolids Belt filter presses
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EWA’s Biosolids Program Utilizing Biosolids Marketing to Improve Your Bottom Line
How Did We Get Here? Crisis – Strategy – Management
EWA in Fiscal Year 2001 • Influent of 22.4 MGD • Class B biosolids • Belt filter presses • Land application in Riverside County • $645,000 for biosolids disposal
One Year Later……. • Riverside County Class B ban • Energy crisis • $1 Million for biosolids disposal • Belt presses at end of useful life • 5 Trailers per day, 7 days a week • Yuma, Arizona – 400 mile round trip • 730,000 transportation miles/year • 267% Increase from FY 2001 – FY 2008
Biosolids Strategic Plan • Long-term biosolids strategy • Pursue heat drying treatment to achieve Class A EQ biosolids • Assess potential markets for granular product
Biosolids Strategic Plan Implementation • 2004 - Phase V design • 2006 – Construction commences • 2008 - Biosolids Management Plan • 2009 – Heat dryer online
BMP Development Process • Market assessment • Evaluation of reuse/disposal options • Cost analysis • Product management scenarios • Diversified portfolio
Diversified Portfolio Tier I • Biofuel • Contract agriculture • Landfill Tier II • Fertilizer distributors • Soil blenders • Specialty agriculture • Golf course/turf/sod • Local communities • Research & demonstrations
BMP – Tier 1 Execution • Alternative fuel contract with CEMEX • One trailer a day, 5 days a week • Victorville, California - 260 miles round trip • 67,500 transportation miles/year • 222,133 in net transportation costs in FY 2012 • Back-up contracts for land application and landfill disposal
Tier II Execution • Learn your product • Nitrogen/phosphorous/potassium • Micro and secondary nutrients • Iron/calcium/zinc/magnesium • Low salt index • Low heavy metals • High water holding capacity(WHC) • Pathogen content (frequent testing) • Educate your executive team, operations staff and potential customers
Research Your Ag Market • Contact your local Farm Bureau • Top 10 local crops/nurseries/sod & turf farms/golf courses • What type of soil is in the area? • Research your potential customers • Who cannot use PureGreen? a) Leafy Green Partnership & OMRI certified farms
Lessons Learned • Biosolids have tremendous value so have confidence in your product • Develop and promote your brand name • Diversification opens new windows of opportunities • Blending with other nutrients greatly increases the value of the product • Blended & bagged products reduce odor and reheating issues • Find a Tier II partner or partners who has similar goals • Start research projects
Think Like a Private Company • Lab testing during the production process/quality of product is crucial • Know federal, State & local regulations concerning Class A EQ product • Logistics/flexible hauling is a must • Allocate required staff • Develop contacts
Develop a Customer Presentation Package • Use 3rdparty nutrient analysis • NANI report (heavy metals) • State fertilizer label and registration • MSDS • Waiver agreement • Pertinent research • Hand deliver product and information
Questions? Eric M Have PureGreen Sales & Marketing Encina Wastewater Authority ehave@encinajpa.com