Biosolids Management Initiative

A total of 500,000 cubic meters of biosolids have accumulated at the As-Samra WWTP, while Jordan's 27 smaller WWTPs lack outlets for sludge and biosolids. As a result, sludge from several plants is trucked to the overloaded Al Ekeder septage receiving facility, while sludge from central plants is trucked to Ain Ghazal, further exacerbating the overloading at the As-Samra WWTP. The initiative seeks to identify safe, environmentally sound, and cost-effective reuse and disposal options for biosolids, develop markets for their use, and align applicable regulations to facilitate activities. The Water Reuse and Environmental Conservation Project is undertaking a new biosolids management initiative, which includes a feasibility study on As-Samra sludge management, poultry and livestock waste management to address fly and odor issues, technical and advisory support to the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water and Irrigation, and support for Kingdom-wide biosolids management activities. The project is investigating biosolids reuse opportunities, including incineration for green energy, land application as green fertilizer to increase fodder crop production or as soil amendment to restore rangelands, and disposal in landfills. To create an enabling environment for the various reuse opportunities, the project will work with the business community and the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water and Irrigation to host a set of workshops, one or more study tours, and a regional event placing Jordan's biosolids issues in a MENA context. Three pilot/demonstration projects are planned to illustrate the technical viability, safety, and marketability of land application as soil amendment and organic fertilizer. The projects will be implemented directly through the WRECP project, managed in a controlled environment, with thorough oversight and in coordination with Ministry of Agriculture staff. The pilots will focus on improving soils, accelerating vegetation restoration, and preventing further deterioration in rangelands, incorporating biosolids into physical interventions in the ongoing Badia restoration program, and improving forage production quantity and quality, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The objective of the project is to engage both communities and businesses in the safe practice of biosolids use, thereby helping to develop a market for its use. In parallel, the project proposes to host a set of workshops, one or more study tours, and a regional event to increase awareness of international and regional reuse practices, foster a regulatory environment that permits biosolids reuse opportunities, and promote the safe use of biosolids in land application.