Idaho WWTP Winter Dewatering of Biosolids
An Idaho Wastewater Treatment Plant partnered with WaterSolve and Clearwater Dewatering to implement Geotube® dewatering during the winter months. With polymer conditioning and trained operators, the city reduced labor, improved filtrate quality, and reused stabilized biosolids as farmland fertilizer.
DOWNLOAD PDF Applications & ProductsDredging, Geotextile Tube Containers, DewateringServicesComplete SolutionIndustryMunicipalLocationIdaho, USA
Two Geotube® Units
Two 60’ circumference × 86’ long Geotube® units dewatering biosolids at an Idaho Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Filled Geotube® Containers
Geotube® containers filled with polymer-conditioned sludge maintain dewatering performance through winter months. The effluent water seen around the tubes is clear filtrate draining through the geotextile fabric.
OBJECTIVE
A Wastewater Treatment Plant in Idaho was looking for a cost-effective solution to dewater biosolids during the winter months. WaterSolve, LLC, in partnership with Clearwater Dewatering (the local agent), worked with the city to develop a reliable dewatering plan. The solids were processed using Geotube® containers, manufactured from high-strength polypropylene fabric designed to allow effluent water to pass through the pores of the fabric while retaining chemically conditioned solids. The containment area at the site accommodated two Geotube® containers (60’ circumference × 86’ long) for winter operation.
CHEMICAL CONDITIONING
The city utilized its existing polymer injection system; the same polymer blend previously used in its belt-press process. Clearwater Dewatering provided onsite training to the Wastewater Treatment Plant personnel, teaching the correct procedures to install and fill the Geotube® containers, as well as how to visually inspect and adjust polymer dosage for optimal flocculation. This ensured the solids were properly conditioned for efficient separation and maximum dewatering performance throughout the cold-weather months.
GEOTUBE® CONTAINER SIZING
Two 60’ circumference × 86’ long Geotube® containers were installed within the prepared containment pad. The polypropylene geotextile fabric allowed filtrate to drain back into the lagoon system while retaining the solids inside the tubes.
THE RESULT
Following the installation and operator training, the Wastewater Treatment Plant successfully dewatered its biosolids through the entire winter season using Geotube® containers. Plant staff took ownership of the process, monitoring polymer dosage, inspecting filtrate clarity, and adjusting feed rates to ensure steady performance even during freezing conditions. The Geotube® system consistently produced a dry, manageable solids cake while returning clear effluent back to the lagoon. By handling the process in-house, the city significantly reduced hauling frequency, labor hours, and overall disposal costs compared to their previous belt press operation. Once dewatering was complete, the stabilized solids were land applied on local farmland as fertilizer, turning what was once a costly byproduct into a beneficial reuse resource. The project demonstrated that with proper polymer conditioning and system management, Geotube® technology is a reliable and cost effective solution for cold-weather operations, delivering measurable financial and environmental benefits for the municipality.
