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A Cleaner Future for Sanford
Transforming Biosolids into Renewable Energy
Bringing Innovation, Green Industry, and Local Benefits to the Heart of Maine
Every day, municipal wastewater treatment plants in Maine process wastewater from homes and businesses and generate biosolids, a material that requires safe and timely disposal. Until recently, much of this material has been land-applied as fertilizer, but growing concerns over forever chemicals (PFAS) have led to a statewide ban on biosolids land application. Now, 90% of Maine’s biosolids end up in landfills—
an expensive, unsustainable solution.

About the Sanford Biosolids Gasification Facility
The City of Sanford, Maine is leading the way to renewably and sustainably address biosolids disposal through advanced gasification technology. This facility will:
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Be located near the Sanford Wastewater Treatment Plant, reducing truck transportation emissions.
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Destroy chemicals of concern in biosolids thereby preventing them from entering nearby waterways and soil.
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Offer a reliable, long-term alternative to landfilling, incinerating, or land applying biosolids.
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Be privately funded, ensuring no financial burden on taxpayers.
Key Benefits & Impact
How It Works: Turning Biosolids into Renewable Energy
Aries’ patented gasification technology converts biosolids into a clean energy source while eliminating contaminants.
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Our Process:
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Biosolids are dried and then fed to a controlled, high-temperature gasification vessel, breaking down organic material via a combustion-free process.
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Chemicals of concern are destroyed
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The gasification system generates an intermediate producer gas, which is oxidized to create renewable heat and electricity to power the plant
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A low-grade biochar byproduct is created, which can be used as an additive in Redi-Mix concrete production, creating green building materials.
See Our Process in Action:
Why It Matters
Benefits to the Sanford Community & Environment
For the Environment:
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Reduction of material sent to landfills, and incinerators; 95% of the biosolids sent to the facility are converted to energy, and the remaining 5% is converted to low-grade biochar and sold to concrete manufacturers
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Lower emissions through decreased truck traffic.
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Destruction of chemicals of concern that may otherwise enter the environment
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A cleaner environment for Sanford and beyond.
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For the Community:
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Job creation: Full-time, dependable, skilled positions.
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New tax revenue.
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Local economic boost through spending in the local economy.
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Commitment to community partnerships and environmental stewardship.
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Distinction for Sanford as a forward-thinking, sustainably focused City
Frequently Asked Questions
How is gasification different from incineration?
Unlike incineration, Aries’ gasification process does not combust, burn, or incinerate biosolids—it breaks them down at high temperatures in an oxygen restricted environment. The amount of oxygen present in the gasifier is not sufficient for combustion.
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How will the facility be powered?
A thermo-chemical reaction in the gasifier creates intermediate producer gas which is used for heat in the dryers. Utilizing this renewable gas reduces the need for fossil fuel-based gas. Intermediate producer gas contains biogenic carbon, which has no greenhouse gas impacts.
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Will this facility bring odors or pollution to Sanford?
No. The facility is enclosed, with a negative air pressure system and rapid open-close doors with a state-of-the art odor control system. It meets or exceeds state and federal air quality standards.
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Is this project safe for the environment?
Yes. This facility will destroy chemicals of concern that could threaten Maine’s water, soil, and communities. All studies substantiating the safety of the Aries process are performed by independent, licensed engineers and certified laboratories following EPA-approved test methods.
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Whats the difference between sludge and biosolids?
Sludge is the untreated solid material removed from the water at a wastewater treatment plant. After sludge has been de-watered, aerobically processed and sometimes treated with reagents to destroy bacteria and odor, the resulting material is referred to as biosolids. Biosolids, that were previously destined for a landfill or an incinerator, will now be the feedstock for the Aries Sanford Biosolids Gasification facility. ​
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What is biochar?
Aries’ proprietary process is a highly efficient system of drying and gasification technology that converts biosolids into energy and a final biochar material. Aries trademark biochar product will be used as an ingredient in the green manufacturing of concrete products. Biochar is inert and non-hazardous, and best of all offers useful and permanent carbon sequestration. Aries’ biochar material must be approved by the state of Maine as a beneficial use product.
​​How does the community of Sanford benefit from the Aries facility serving the region?
Maine’s wastewater treatment plants produce biosolids daily, requiring a safe, cost-effective disposal solution. With land application banned due to PFAS concerns, 90% of biosolids in the state now end up in landfills. The Aries facility provides a better alternative, converting biosolids into renewable energy while eliminating PFAS and reducing the need for landfilling.
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How will we know if the technology works?
Aries has a commercial scale facility in Linden, NJ with gasification technology that is proven and tested, with successful results at our Linden, NJ facility; and we have performed successful PFAS destruction testing at the facility. We use EPA-approved testing methods ensuring a safe, effective, and sustainable biosolids solution. ​
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Will the facility have truck traffic impacts?
No. The Sanford facility is strategically located near the Sanford Wastewater Treatment Plant, significantly reducing biosolids transportation needs for Sanford. Less than 20 trucks per day will deliver biosolids to the facility. An independent engineer has performed a traffic assessment that shows the project will have no adverse traffic impacts.
Additionally, the facility’s location in the Cyro Road Industrial Park is adjacent to Maine Highway 109, ensuring that trucks will not pass through residential communities to reach the plant, further minimizing local traffic impacts. Biosolids deliveries will be spaced out over the course of the day, ensuring no traffic congestion.
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Will the facility be paid for by taxpayers?
No. The facility will be 100% privately funded by Aries Clean Technologies.​
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When will the facility be operational?
The Sanford facility is expected to be operational in late 2027.