Industry News

Biosolids: The Ultimate Recycling Success Story

In the wastewater treatment world, biosolids are often seen as the ultimate recycling success story. Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment and over 60% of biosolids produced nationally in the U.S. are land applied. They are used in agriculture, landscaping, forestry, and even by homeowners on lawns and gardens. Although biosolids are under scrutiny once again due to the source of their composition—human and industrial waste—preliminary evidence suggests that the beneficial use of biosolids rests on solid ground.

To learn more about the future of biosolids, new Babcock staff member, Colleen Thompson, interviewed Greg Kester, Director of Renewable Resource Programs at the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA). Greg is the subject matter expert when it comes to emerging issues regarding all renewable energy, recycled water, biosolids, and climate change mitigation. “Biosolids have a plethora of benefits, they assist in creating healthy soils which help crop growth, they are significant mitigators of climate change, reduce irrigation use, offset the use of inorganic fertilizers, and essentially are the best example of recycling,” said Kester. In fact, many agricultural areas depend on biosolids to help…

A Quick Year in Review:2020

As we welcome the end of an unprecedented year and prepare to welcome 2021, we would like to reflect on some of the key industry topics of 2020 that will likely provide clues to the issues and challenges our industry is sure to experience in the New Year.

Babcock Laboratories has Representation on ELTAC!

Babcock Laboratories is excited to announce our own Vice President, Bradley Meadows, is serving on the 2021-2022 Environmental Laboratory Technical Advisory Committee (ELTAC). ELTAC is an advisory body to the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). We are thrilled Brad will be a part of this to represent commercial laboratories and help provide the necessary scientific expertise to address current and emerging environmental monitoring and laboratory accreditation issues. Great job Brad and thank you for safeguarding the public health and the environment.

Does La Niña Have Other Plans for So Cal’s Typical Wet Winter?

Californians faced some of the worst fires in recorded history this year thanks to a lack of rain and the upcoming storm season may not relieve the state’s unusually dry condition. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, recently confirmed an ongoing La Nina event expected to last into the winter. The event, a part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, influences global oceanic temperatures and rainfall. A La Nina winter, combined with the effects of global climate change, threatens to push California into …

Elementary California Water Basics—Getting an Education from the Foundation

Californians pride themselves on being water savvy—the Golden State’s vast infrastructure of reservoirs and aqueducts has supported its agricultural industry and booming population for decades. But as global climate change continues to bake the state, California needs massive changes to its water conservation models—starting with better water education.

The Water Education Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1977, instructs Californians about…

To Grab or to Composite...That is the PFAS Question!

The debate regarding the most appropriate method to collect non-potable liquids—specifically POTW influents and effluents—continues. Last month California State Water Quality Control Board (SWQCB) staff appeared to walk back parts of the original Phase III PFAS monitoring orders, directing the responsibility for making decisions regarding sampling techniques back to the agency and their laboratory. October is upon us and water treatment professionals are wondering…