A four-year research and development project at the Smiths Creek Landfill in St. Clair County, Mich., has proven that injecting liquid from septage into a bioreactor is economical and environmentally sound. The moisture, nutrients and microorganisms lead to rapid decomposition of the garbage resulting in longer landfill life, increased rate of biogas production, new revenue and another option for pumpers as Michigan phases out land application.
The Smiths Creek story was first featured in Pumper in June 2009. At the time, the bioreactor, located 60 miles north of Detroit, had been operating for a short time and only one pumper was
