Lystek wins contract for biosolids treatment in San Francisco

Biosolids and organics solutions provider Lystek International, Cambridge, Ontario, has announced it has been awarded a two-year contract for beneficial reuse of biosolids services by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Under the terms of the contract, Lystek agrees to process up to 3,500 tons of biosolids per year into a Class A product at its Organic Material Recovery Center, located at the Fairfield Suisun Sewer District (FSSD) in Fairfield, California (Lystek OMRC-FSSD).

Lystek’s patented, low-temperature thermal hydrolysis process (Lystek THP) diverts hundreds of thousands of tons of biosolids and other organics from landfills each year to produce LysteGro, a Class A EQ (exceptional quality) biofertilizer product, which the company describes as rich in nutrients and vital, organic matter.

Opened in August 2016, the Lystek OMRC-FSSD supports the diversion of biosolids from landfills in favor of higher and better use of the material. The partnership between Lystek and the FSSD iaccepts approximately 14,000 tons per year of biosolids from the district and additional commitments from numerous, other Bay Area agencies.

Built, owned and operated by Lystek, the center will manage biosolids production from the FSSD and surrounding generators for at least the next 20 years. Lystek says it is ideally located to provide reliable, sustainable, year-round organics processing and management solutions to the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

In 2016, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recognized LysteGro as a licensed fertilizer. Currently, the FSSD and Lystek are working together to further leverage the multipurpose system to optimize operations of the district’s digesters and increase biogas production for green energy.

“This contract award marks yet another step forward in the progression toward affordable, reliable and sustainable, year-round organics management in the San Francisco Bay area,” says Jim Dunbar, general manager of the Lystek OMRC in Fairfield. “Our valued customers are constantly telling us how much they appreciate being able to take advantage of the great service and practical solutions we offer to participate in the movement toward a circular economy. Developments like this allow us to take materials that are often viewed as ‘waste’ and safely divert them from landfills so they can be processed, recycled and sold to an eager, and highly appreciative, end market. We are proud of our innovative, resource recovery center.”