Lancaster, Richard

Rick is a member of the Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers, an Atkins fellow and has worked in the Water Sector for over 36 years. He is currently the Global Bioresources Director for Atkins. Rick has held senior operational and strategic roles during his career, developed globally award winning Biosolids strategies, represented the Water industry on key biosolids regulatory consultations, originated & implemented biosolids system optimisation and innovation programmes, delivered exceptional operational performance and delivered significant organisational transformational change.

Titles from this speaker

A National Bioresources Strategy for England

Abstract

The UK Water Industry is now at a critical juncture regarding which strategic direction to adopt, considering the cumulative impact of emerging contaminants, stricter nutrient management in agriculture, key sustainability challenges (e.g., Net Zero Carbon target ambitions), market challenge, supply chain resilience and the potential for opportunities around improved environmental outcomes. The adaptive strategy and accompanying roadmap developed through the project is being utilised by WaterUK and the individual Water Companies to develop their individual Bioresources strategies and investment portfolios. The key outcomes were defined to maintain momentum, stimulate the market, enhance regulator knowledge and confidence, engage the global market to share and gather insight in order to mitigate barriers and drive pace of change required to enable high potential strategic pathways, for example biorefineries and advanced thermal conversion pathways.

Globally, water utilities are seeing increased risks associated with application of biosolids to land. These risks are coming from various factors, from constrained landbank due to nutrient management, micropollutants and air quality impacts. The risks are emerging at the same time as the industry faces other challenges, Net Zero Carbon, circular economy targets and self-sufficiency. Whilst biosolids pose a challenge to manage, there is also incredible potential value in the outputs.

SpeakerLancaster, Richard

Presentation time

08:30:00

09:00:00

Session time

08:30:00

09:15:00

SessionA National Bioresources Strategy for England

Session locationRoom S404c - Level 4

TopicIntermediate Level, PFAS, Sustainability and Climate Change, Utility Management and Leadership

Author(s)

Lancaster, Richard

Author(s)R. Lancaster 1; S. Jane 3; R. Wilson 4; P. Shaffer 6; P. Talboys 7; R. Lancaster 1;

Author affiliation(s)Atkins 1; Atkins 3; Atkins 4; CIWEM 6; Atkins 7; Atkins 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Oct 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825159055

Volume / Issue

Content sourceWEFTEC

Word count7

Advanced Thermal Conversion of Sewage Sludge to Biochar

Abstract

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) are a leading institution for water research in the UK, creating a platform for innovation that helps to meet the challenges the water industry face. UKWIR commissioned a study of biochar production through advanced thermal conversion of sewage sludge. The project was steered through a committee of representatives from various water companies and led by Ken Shapland (UKWIR) and Dan Green (Wessex Water). Atkins and Cranfield University were commissioned to undertake the study.

This session will provide a global overview of the novel field of sewage sludge to biochar. Focus will be given to fate of emerging contaminants, global regulations and an overview of sewage sludge biochar markets.

SpeakerWilson, Ross

Presentation time

14:30:00

14:55:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionUnderstanding and Addressing PFAS in Biosolids

Session locationRoom N426b - Level 4

TopicMunicipal Wastewater Treatment Design, PFAS

Author(s)

Wilson, Ross