STREATOR – Illinois American Water partnered with farmers last year to apply more than 29,000 dry tons of residuals and biosolids, recycling them rather than sending them to a landfill. According to the water utility, the residual biosolids from Streator, Peoria, Granite City, Champaign County and Chicago Metro plants were placed on farmland to help reduce chemical use to protect natural resources. In the fall, after crops have been harvested, the residuals are land applied. Alum residuals benefit the farmland by helping with the retention of soil moisture, whereas lime residuals benefit the fields by adjusting pH to optimal levels.
