Geoecological evaluation of water industry sludge ponds and developing the techniques of their disposal

Industrial water treatment is accompanied by water industry sludge formation. A great amount of methods of industrial sludge processing and utilization has been developed. Though the majority of such waste is usually being sent to sludge storages. Sludge storages take great areas, which could be practically used, and have a negative impact on the components of geological environment. Though the compositions of such sludge is close to natural soil. The elements of a comprehensive evaluation of water-management sludge ponds as raw-material sources for soil-like recultivation materials using stepwise criteria selection are presented. A comprehensive technique of pre-utilization sludge treatment is developed. The investigation results of the main stages of treatment - dewatering, mineralization, and hardening - are given. The technique offered will enable reducing the costs of the purchase of natural soils for re-cultivation as well as reducing the waste disposal costs