Shared residuals processing will benefit adjacent agencies

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC) conducted a detailed feasibility study on alternative residuals processing and disposal methods for its Joseph Jensen Filtration Plant. Alternatives to the current practice of sewer disposal were evaluated through literature research, vendor testing, on-site pilot testing, and joint investigations with outside agencies. As a result of this study, MWDSC and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), one of MWDSC's 27 member agencies, will enter into an agreement to jointly process residuals from two adjacent water treatment plants operated by the respective agencies. The residuals from the MWDSC plant will be pumped to existing evaporation ponds at the LADWP plant for processing and disposal, and avoided costs will be shared between the two agencies. In addition, the agencies have agreed to exchange standard water treatment chemicals during emergencies.