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In general, alkaline stabilization is not a proprietary C There is potential for odor generation both process, meaning that no fee is required to be paid at the processing and end use site. to a patent holder to use the process. However, sC There is a potential for dust production. several variations on the basic process are proprietary, such as: C There is a potential for pathogen regrowth C BioFIX Process (marketed by Bio Gro if the pH drops below 9.5 while the material Division of Wheelabrator Clean Water is stored prior to use (U.S. EPA, 1992.) Systems, Inc.) C The nitrogen content in the final product is C RDP En-Vessel Pasteurization System lower than that in several other biosolids (marketed by RDP Company.) products. During processing, nitrogen is converted to ammonia, which is lost to the C N-Viro Advanced Alkaline Stabilization atmosphere through volatilization. In with Drying (marketed by N-Viro addition,plant available phosphorous can be International Corporation.) reduced through the formation of calcium phosphate. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES C There are fees associated with proprietary Alkaline stabilization offers several advantages, processes (Class A stabilization.) including: C Consistency with the EPA's national Environmental Impacts beneficial reuse policy. Results in a product There are several potential environmental impacts suitable for a variety of uses and is usually associated with alkaline stabilization of wastewater able to be sold. solids. Odor problems may occur at the point of processing or use due to the release of ammonia and C Simple technology requiring few special ammonia related compounds and amines. These are skills for reliable operation. generally considered nuisance issues without long- term environmental impact. Handling of the C Easy to construct of readily available parts. material, such as loading, unloading, or spreading, all potentially cause release of ammonia and amines. C Small land area required. The amount of ammonia released from the alkaline stabilized product depends on the nitrogen content C Flexible operation, easily started and of the wastewater solids and the pH and stopped. temperature achieved through the process. The extent of amine released will depend in part on the Several possible disadvantages should be considered nature of the dewatering chemicals used. in evaluating this technology: In addition,small amounts of particulate matter may C The resulting product is not suitable for use be emitted by the processing facility, but these are on all soil. For example, alkaline soils easily mitigated. common in southwestern states will not Land application of any biosolid product can benefit from the addition of a high pH increase the concentrations of trace elements in the material. soil. Alkaline stabilized biosolids help to create soil C The volume of material to be managed and pH conditions in which metals are insoluble, moved off-site is increased by approximately minimizing plant uptake and movement of metals to 15 to 50 percent in comparison with other groundwater. stabilization techniques, such as digestion. Soils which have a low pH will benefit greatly from This increased volume results in higher the alkaline material and will be more fertile. Lime transportation costs when material is moved is usually low in metals and, when blended with off-site.