ICBA completes the “Sludge Valorization Feasibility Study” for Ajman Sewerage

The UAE is moving towards a common goal of managing total waste generated and achieving zero-waste to landfill. The strategic vision of the Waste Management of the Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman Emirates is to achieve excellence through integrated and sustainable waste management practices in order to achieve the ultimate goal of ‘zero waste to landfill’ thus saving the environment and recycling waste in a positive manner. With an ever-increasing population of the UAE and ambitious economic developmental projects, an important challenge in the next decade is that the steady increase in the amount of Biosolids being generated and needing safe disposal.

In recognition of the potential value of the sludge and biosolids to various potential clients and in contributing towards the UAE goal of waste management and recycling, Ajman Sewerage PrivateCompany Limited (ASPCL) had selected ICBA to undertake the “Sludge Valorization Feasibility Study”. The study was led by Dr. Abdullah Alshankiti, Soil Management Scientist at ICBA, and its completion was announced on 16 September 2014 during a ceremony at ICBA premises in Dubai.

In executing the study ICBA included all relevant agencies in exploring the current status of Biosolids production, regulations and standards in the UAE. A workshop for this purpose was held in Ras Al Khaima in collaboration with the Department of Public Work and Services and with participation of Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW), Regulatory and Supervision Bureau-Abu-Dhabi (RSB), Abu-Dhabi Center of Waste Management (CWM), ADSSC (Abu Dhabi Sewage Services Company), Municipality of Dubai, Municipality of Sharjah, Ajman Sewerage Company (ASPCL) and ICBA.

During the completion event ceremony, Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of ICBA, highlighted the importance of this project for ICBA and how it aligns with ICBA’s ambition to achieve sustainable agriculture and a more resilient environment. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to ASPCL for their confidence and trust in ICBA for undertaking this study; in addition to thanking the government organizations for their valuable input during the consultation workshops. 

Mr. Christophe Ledur, General Manager of ASPCL, thanked ICBA for the professional and timely work in delivering “Sludge Valorization Feasbility Study”. Mr. Ledur emphasised that the reuse of sludge represents an important element in achieving sustainable development for the Emirate of Ajman and, therefore, its feasibility and potential interest require their full attention.

Also present at the event were each of: Eng. Ahmad Saif Al Muhiri (Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department), Mr. Xavier Mathieu (Capital Investment and Performance Manager, ASPCL), Mr. Peter Lembrechts (Head of Concessions and Assets-Middle East, BESIX), Mr. Herve Faujour (Technical Director, Veolia GCC), and Mr. Mohammed Mustafa Kamil (Agriculture Engineer, AM-PHEO Sector-Parks and Horticulture).