Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic material resulting from the treatment of wastewater. After being separated from the water in both physical and biological processes, solids are anaerobically treated in heated tanks called digesters. This process reduces the overall volume of solids and creates methane gas and carbon dioxide gasses, called digester gas.  The digester gas is utilized in an internal combustion engine to run a generator, converting the gas to renewable electrical energy to power HCTP.  In addition, heat produced as a byproduct of the engine is utilized to keep the digesters at operating temperature, approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit.   The heat is also used to heat the Administration building.

When the digestion process is complete, the solids are pumped to a screw press to remove excess water from the material. Annually, 13,500 wet tons of biosolids remain after treatment and need to be recycled or disposed of.

Dewatered and/or solar dried biosolids are then hauled from the HCTP by Synagro, Inc.  to one of two locations; Taft, or Helendale, California.  They are then composted for beneficial reuse, such as agricultural or nursey products. 

9600 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo, CA 93012 | (805) 491-8100 | vmontgomery@toaks.org