Easley: How Easley Combined Utilities Cut Sludge Handling Costs By One-Third

Sludge handling was one of the highest operational costs at Middle Branch, Easley's largest plant at 2.1-2.2 MGD. Orege responded with a working pilot on site: a thickening system powered by SLG-F® technology. "They set up a pilot for us, and it just worked," said Superintendent Scott Barnes. The pilot became a permanent installation, running for over two years with a consistent 33% reduction in sludge management expenses, a six-figure saving from lower hauling and polymer use. Thicker, more consistent sludge also freed operator time for other priorities across the plant.