The Biosolids Emissions Assessment Model (BEAM) – Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biosolids Management
- Municipal wastewater treatment produces biosolids that require management. Biosolids management practices can impact anthropogenic (from human activities) emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). An example of anthropogenic emissions are those generated through the combustion of fossil fuels. The most important GHGs that relate to biosolids management include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Changes can be made to biosolids management practices and programs to minimize GHG emissions, thereby lessening the impacts of the wastewater treatment industry on the environment.
To facilitate assessments of the GHG emissions from biosolids management practices, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) commissioned the development of a model for estimating emissions from common practices. SYLVIS Environmental of New Westminster, BC and its project team consisting of Dr. Sally Brown (University of Washington), Ned Beecher (North East Biosolids & Residuals Association), and Andrew Carpenter (Northern Tilth) developed the Biosolids Emissions Assessment Model, or BEAM, for the CCME.
The BEAM is comprised of calculation modules developed for commonly used biosolids management unit processes (e.g. anaerobic digestion, dewatering and land application). The BEAM user selects applicable unit process modules and populates the module with measured data or the default values provided by the model. The GHG emissions debits and credits (expressed in terms of CO2 equivalents per year) are tabulated, yielding net emission rates for each unit process and the entire management program. The BEAM can be utilized to assess net GHG emissions from existing programs, evaluate potential changes to existing programs or to assess emissions from new programs and practices. The modular design enables the BEAM to be used to assess a wide array of management scenarios. The model can also accommodate new modules for new or emerging technologies.
The BEAM is an important tool for understanding the impacts of GHGs from biosolids management practices and as a decision-making tool for improving biosolids management programs. It can be used to assess changes required to meet commitments to sustainability and those required to reduce the overall GHG impact of an organization. As access to funding and carbon offsets for GHG reductions becomes available, the BEAM will be invaluable for determining the changes required to obtain these benefits.
For more information on the BEAM and its related documents contact Mike Van Ham at SYLVIS Environmental (info@sylvis.com or 604-777-9788).
Links to the BEAM and its user guide are provided below.
BEAM User Guide
BEAM Model
In April 2010, BCWWA will be holding a workshop on this topic:
Date: April 2010
Location: Burnaby BC, venue TBA
