In the Sydney and Illawarra region of NSW, biosolids are made by sewage treatment plants operated by Sydney Water, the government organisation responsible for water supply and waste water discharge in this region.
On average each person living in the region contributes enough sewage to allow Sydney Water to make about 30 kilograms of biosolids per person per year.
Forests NSW has worked with Sydney Water, and recently Hunter Water, to turn this waste product into a valuable resource. Forests NSW have been researching the use of biosolids on state forest plantations since 1991, with astounding success. They have found that if 30 dry tonnes of biosolids are applied in one year on 15 to 20-year-old pine plantations, then there is a 30% increase in the amount of wood produced with no detriment to the local environment.
To go on a 'Wild forest adventure' and find out more about biosolids, click on one of the following:
Alternatively, Forest Fact Sheets, which give greater detail, are available on this topic. If you would like a copy, go to the feedback page and ask us to send you a copy.
More about biosolids from the 'Wild forest adventure'!
