A $43+ Million Investment to Revolutionize Wastewater Treatment and Biosolids Management
Kennewick, WA – Merrell Bros., Inc. is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a transformative $43+ million project to modernize Kennewick’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. This state-of-the-art expansion replaces outdated lagoon systems with advanced wastewater biosolid treatment technology, including Solar-Thermal Drying, Pasteurization and Pelletization. These innovations will harness the power of the sun to create KenneGro, a premium Class A marketable fertilizer product, driving sustainability and energy efficiency for the city.
Harnessing Solar Power for a Greener Future
The new facility represents a significant leap forward in green technology by leveraging solar energy to dry biosolids in fully enclosed greenhouses, followed by oven pasteurization, drastically reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. The solar-thermal system will drastically lower the facility’s carbon footprint while transforming waste into a valuable, eco-friendly resource.
Kennewick is positioning itself as a progressive leader in municipal biosolids management, embracing cutting-edge solutions that set a benchmark for other cities. As one councilman noted, “This project showcases Kennewick’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, making us an industry leader in municipal biosolids technology.”
Innovative Solutions for Complex Challenges
Kennewick’s previous system relied heavily on lagoons for biosolids storage and treatment, a process prone to periodic odor issues, periodic lagoon maintenance costs like dredging, and challenges with long-term planning and budgeting. The new facility will address these challenges with cutting-edge solutions:
- Dewatering: A biosolids processing building will house advanced dewatering equipment to convert liquid sludge into a dry cake material that will then be transported to the greenhouses for pre-drying,
- Greenhouse Drying: Fully enclosed greenhouses will harness solar energy and fan-assisted airflow to efficiently dry biosolids. A rotary tiller will ensure consistent drying by mixing materials daily.
- Pasteurization: The dried biosolids from the greenhouse will be conveyed into a pasteurizer where the biosolids will meet the time and temperature standards to become a Class A product. The Class A biosolids will then be pelletized, transforming the sludge into nutrient-rich fertilizer pellets.
- Future-Ready Design: The facility’s design includes provisions for future city growth, such as oversized pasteurization equipment, scalable electrical systems, and space allotted for additional greenhouses.
Building for the Future
Incorporating innovative technology and sustainable design, the new facility is poised to drastically reduce odors, enhance efficiency, and offer significant long-term savings for the city. For instance, regular lagoon dredging and cleaning required for standard maintenance, previously costing approximately $3–5 million every few years, will now be replaced with a streamlined system that offers predictable budgeting and operational stability.
The project’s design also accommodates Kennewick’s growing population by minimizing future construction costs through built-in expansion capabilities. Key features include an oversized pasteurizer ready for additional greenhouses, space reserved for additional greenhouses as needed, and a robust electrical system designed for expanded workloads. Each element is carefully planned to meet the city’s growing needs while ensuring cost efficiency.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The facility’s sustainability focus is matched by its economic benefits. By reducing maintenance costs and producing marketable fertilizer, Kennewick is paving the way for long-term savings and efficiency. Additionally, these upgrades will drastically improve odor control and streamline operational efficiency, enhancing the quality of life for the community.
City of Kennewick’s Visionary Leadership Sets New Standard in Municipal Biosolids Management
“It is such a pleasure to work with a progressive-thinking leadership team from the City of Kennewick. They have thoroughly done their research and evaluations to make this project possible. Their dedication and commitment to being a leader in municipal biosolids management will set a new standard for the highest quality organic-based products.” – Ted Merrell, Co-Founder, Merrell Bros., Inc.
Project Timeline
Construction broke ground on November 11, 2024, and is slated for completion by November 2026. Initial phases include the installation of a liquid sludge holding tank and the processing building, with subsequent work focusing on the greenhouses and mixing building.
Upon completion, Merrell Bros., Inc. will conduct comprehensive training for facility operators before handing over operations to the city, ensuring a smooth transition and long-term success.
Community Impact
Located in a commercial and industrial area, the project has been met with enthusiasm by local residents and businesses. The new facility is expected to effectively control odors, ensuring that the surrounding community benefits from improved environmental conditions without disruption.
About Merrell Bros., Inc.
Since 1982, Merrell Bros., Inc. has been a leader in biosolids management, offering innovative solutions that turn waste into valuable resources. Guided by core values of faith, integrity, and stewardship, Merrell Bros. partners with municipalities, industries, and agricultural operations nationwide to create a cleaner, greener future.
Contact Information:
Merrell Bros., Inc.
Address: 8811 West 500 North
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (800) 663-8830
Email: mb.marketing@merrellbros.com