Orbital Biocarbon partners with PYREG on wastewater sludge disposal

Orbital Biocarbon, a Pittsburgh-based project development and finance company specializing in wastewater sludge disposal solutions for wastewater utilities, has partnered with PYREG, a German carbonization technology manufacturer.

Using PYREG’s technology, Orbital Biocarbon says it will transform wastewater sludge by noncombustion heating at high temperatures to produce salable biochar, a commercial-grade fertilizer or durable building material additive, renewable energy and CO₂ removal credits.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week implemented new regulations mandating water utilities to monitor and eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) “forever chemicals” from their water supply. PFAS chemicals, often found in wastewater sludge, pose risks to public health if they infiltrate the water system via landfill leachate or runoff from land-applied wastewater sludge. PYREG’s technology can help water utilities meet EPA requirements, the company says, by destroying these PFAS contaminants.

“Over the past 18 months, we have brought PYREG’s compact, modular and easily integrable technology to scores of wastewater treatment plants, man of which are in varying states of implementing our solution,” Orbital Biocarbon President John Day says.

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Orbital Biocarbon offers a comprehensive solution, securing private capital to construct, own and operate on-site wastewater sludge disposal facilities. Wastewater utilities can now bypass public debt financing and operational risks while realizing value from their wastewater sludge, according to the company. Orbital Biocarbon also offers project development and PYREG technology solutions for wastewater utilities that prefer to own and operate these best-in-class plants.

“The need for safe wastewater sludge disposal is paramount for wastewater utilities," says Morgan O’Brien, CEO of West Virginia-based Hope Utilities. "I am committed to facilitating the adoption of Orbital Biocarbon’s innovative PYREG-based solutions in the Appalachia market, where they have already made significant progress. This aligns with the importance of introducing cutting-edge technologies and business practices that spur job creation and enhance business competitiveness, in West Virginia and greater Appalachia.”