We were contracted by Obras Sanitarias del Estado (OSE) to perform a consultancy on the management of sludge generated in water and sanitation plants. OSE is responsible for drinking water supply and sanitation throughout Uruguay, with more than 300 water and 200 sanitation services in operation.

Our work focused on the following objectives:

• Establish the database: We quantify and characterize sludge and analyze current sludge management.
• Production projection: We project future sludge production based on macroeconomic projections and OSE’s planned expansions of its water and sewage systems.
• Analysis of alternatives: We identify and analyze different options to manage sludge in the short, medium and long term. We consider regulatory, technical, social, environmental and economic constraints.
• Evaluation: We evaluate these alternatives based on economic, environmental, social and institutional criteria.
• Recommendation: We recommend the best alternative and the lines of action that fit the reality of the country and OSE. Finally, we define the strategies to address sludge management.
• Management and financing model: We made recommendations on the plan’s management and financing model.

This project allowed us to provide OSE with a strategic plan for sludge management, which will contribute to a more sustainable and efficient management of its operations.