Biosolids

Biosolids are a nutrient-rich organic material created from the biological and physical treatment of wastewater. Biosolids can be used to improve soil structure and water retention, and also are used as a slow-release fertilizer. Currently, Fort Collins Utilities applies 70% of its biosolids (wastewater sludge) on Meadow Springs Ranch and 30% on private farm land.

The City produces approximately 1,900 dry tons of solids per year. Four times per week, two semi-trailers of biosolids are trucked from the Drake Water Reclamation facility to the ranch and spread on concrete pads for solar drying. The solids are solar dried from a consistency of wet earth to a dry dirt (25% to 90% total solids) and are applied to the rangeland at a rate of two dry tons per acre.

Utilities staff routinely sample soil and groundwater, using results to determine management practices on rangeland, and to comply with state and federal regulations.