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• • <br />produce fertilizer from sludge but there is a question as to whether or not there is a market <br />for that fertilizer. Historically sludge has been a land application for citrus and farming but <br />the pathogens and nutrients from the sludge are closing that application from a regulatory <br />standpoint Landfill air space is very valuable and the County has about 56 years of life left <br />in the Landfill which could be extended if sludge were removed. Also, sludge is like soup <br />when it rains and is very expensive to treat. There are a myriad of options available but he <br />recommended waiting to see whether the improvements being made at the facility would <br />make a difference. Fortunately, because of advance planning, Indian River County has <br />options other counties don't have. <br />Commissioner Macht suggested a meeting with the County's neighbors to discuss a <br />regional sludge facility. <br />Commissioner Ginn reviewed the mai or points from the Camp Dresser McKee Report <br />and noted that land application of sludge could be banned by 2003, while the other options <br />are very expensive. <br />Commissioner Adams questioned how the costs were determined. <br />Eric Grotke, Camp Dresser McKee, advised that the formula used is reflected in the <br />report. They used a $33 tipping fee in their formula. <br />Commissioner Adams noted that the total cost would be better than one hundred <br />million dollars for a sludge processing plant. <br />Commissioner Adams then questioned whether sludge is used as a cover material at <br />the Landfill, and Director Olson responded that it is and that it takes the place of something <br />else that could be put there. The sludge is solid until it rains when it becomes "soupy". <br />After it settles, it is sent back to the wastewater treatment plant for treatment again. <br />APRIL 16, 2002 <br />-43- <br />