Southwesterly Composting Facility

Overview

Richard Morris, PE, a project manager with Ribway, contributed extensive expertise to the development and modernization of the Southwesterly Composting Facility during his prior tenure with the City of Columbus, Department of Public Utilities, Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD). He oversaw the completion of multiple critical projects, including Contract C5: Active Solar Drying Facilities, Contract C7: Mechanized Mixing Facilities, and ERP 801.1 & 801.2: Aeration Pads and Odor Control.

Contract C5: Active Solar Drying Facilities Project (CIP 650315)

• Project Scope: Oversaw the completion of construction, start-up, and check-out of the compost drying process, utilizing solar panels to generate hot water.
• Key Components:
  • Construction of a solar drying building, solar field, maintenance garage, and administrative building.
  • Implementation of solar-powered systems to enhance the efficiency of the compost drying process.
• Budget: $10 million.
• Results: The project optimized the compost drying process using renewable energy while integrating modernized infrastructure for operational efficiency.

Contract C7: Mechanized Mixing Facilities Project (CIP 650317)

• Project Scope: Managed the construction, start-up, and operational check-out of compost mixing equipment to streamline the composting process.
• Key Components:
  • Installation of:
    • Two sludge bins and two wood chip bins with live bottom screws controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs).
    • A conveyor system for material transport.
    • A pug mill for precise mixing of compost materials.
• Budget: $3 million.
• Results: Improved operational automation and efficiency in the compost mixing process by integrating advanced mechanized equipment.

ERP 801.1 & 801.2: Aeration Pads and Odor Control

• Project Scope: Supervised the process and electrical design, prepared construction documents, and oversaw implementation of aeration pad upgrades and odor control systems.
• Key Features:
  • Transitioned compost systems from positive aeration to negative aeration.
  • Installed a bio-filter to treat and control odors from sewage sludge composting.
  • Added new FRP aeration fans, fiberglass ductwork, bio-filter distribution ductwork, and aeration process control panels.
  • Upgraded electrical systems, including:
    • A new electrical substation.
    • Underground distribution systems.
    • Overhead wiring, high mast area lighting, and lightning protection systems.
  • Demolished outdated site belt conveyors and related equipment to enable unrestricted equipment movement.
• Results: Enhanced odor control, increased system efficiency, and improved operational flexibility for composting activities.

Results and Impact

The Southwesterly Composting Facility upgrades significantly improved the facility’s operational capacity, energy efficiency, and environmental compliance. The projects collectively contributed to the facility’s modernization and enhanced its ability to manage composting operations sustainably.