The wastewater treatment plant is located 1.5 miles east of Madison on SD Hwy. Primary sludge is pumped through the digesters. Heating of the sludge is acheived by use of a boiler system. The methane gas is used to fire the boiler which heats the sludge.
Digested sludge is pumped out to sludge drying beds which are similar in appearance to lagoons.
After the sludge has dried sufficiently it is applied to farm ground as a soil ammendment, similar to fertilizer. The water is then eventually returned to the environment as it passes through layers of dirt, sand, and gravel which finish the treatment process. Water quality and treatment processes are checked and monitored constantly to insure proper operation and allow for adjustments of the process. Click on a photo below to see an enlarged view.