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The challenge

The Gwinnett team faced a significant challenge: reducing their environmental impact while managing the immense cost of sending countless tons of dewatered biosolids to landfills each year at the cost of over $6 million. The team needed an innovative way to turn these biosolids, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, into something valuable. How could they transform what was once considered waste into a marketable product, such as fertilizer, that offsets costs and creates long-term environmental and economic value?

The solution

Understanding the project’s magnitude, the Gwinnett team adopted a long-term, phased approach. The first critical step was upgrading their infrastructure. Working closely with Alfa Laval’s water team, they modernized their control systems by integrating advanced automation, real-time monitoring, and enhanced decanter control capabilities.

These upgrades provided greater operational visibility and control, improving biosolids dryness while significantly reducing energy consumption and polymer usage.

One of the most transformative steps was replacing their 20-year-old decanters with Aldec G3 125 decanter centrifuges. Designed for higher performance and efficiency, the new units deliver improved results while using fewer resources. The team already saw significant improvements with their installation, but the vision continued.

Next steps

Looking ahead, the next phase of the project promises to be even more impactful. The team plans to install dryers capable of removing 90% of the remaining water content from their biosolids. Once dried, the resulting product can be sold as high-quality fertilizer, turning what was once a costly waste product into a profitable resource. In addition to generating revenue, these dryers will eliminate the need for costly landfill disposal and hauling, further slashing operational expenses.

The Aldec G3 decanter centrifuges will continue to play a critical role in this phase. By removing more water than their predecessors, they reduce the energy required for drying, helping optimize the overall process and improve cost efficiency.

A vision for the future

Gwinnett County is embarking on an exciting journey towards a more sustainable future. Their dedication to reducing environmental and financial impact of their wastewater facility is a testament to their forward-thinking leadership. By transforming waste into valuable fertilizer, they’re not only cutting costs for their taxpayers but also contributing to a circular economy. This project showcases how modern wastewater treatment plants can integrate innovative solutions to achieve both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.

The Gwinnett team’s commitment to inversing in cutting-edge technology and thinking outside the box has set a powerful example for other municipalities to follow. Their partnership with the team at Alfa Laval reflects a shared mission to support both the local community and the environment at large.