The City of Boise owns and operates a 4,225-acre farm on South Cloverdale Road, approximately 20 miles south of Boise. Twenty Mile South Farm receives the biosolids from the city's two main water renewal facilities, Lander Street and West Boise.
Biosolids are trucked to the site and applied to fields for growing forage crops that are eventually sold to farmers. Twenty Mile South Farm is managed to comply with all local, state and federal regulations governing the reuse of biosolids.
Twenty Mile South Farm has a facility that meets LEED GOLD certification standards, in addition to being the first commercial Net Zero Energy Building in Idaho. It houses an office building, maintenance shop, parts warehouse and mechanic shop. Net Zero Energy Buildings offset the energy consumed onsite with energy produced onsite, in this case using solar panels and operating more efficient heating and cooling systems.
In 2014, Twenty Mile South Farm received an "Excellence in Biosolids Management" Award from Northwest Biosolids and the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association. The award recognized Twenty Mile South Farm for its significant contributions in implementing a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial biosolids management program. In the 27-year history of the award, Boise was the first recipient from Idaho.
Biosolids are valuable fertilizer, helping replenish soil nutrients that have been removed by the crops grown at Twenty Mile South Farm. With ample amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contained in the biosolids, the City of Boise doesn't have to buy as much commercial fertilizer, resulting in substantial cost savings.
The City of Boise directly receives the revenue generated by growing and selling high-quality crops. This revenue is returned to the Water Renewal fund which helps lower rates for City of Boise rate payers.
Biosolids provide organic matter to improve soil structure and increase water-holding capacity. Using biosolids as a soil amendment keeps the product out of the landfill, saving landfill space.
Prior to 1993, the City of Boise administered a land application program whereby local farmers would enter into contracts that would allow liquid biosolids to be applied to private farmland. The parcels located near the West Boise Water Renewal Facility received priority for biosolids applications, and the City of Boise applied it year-round.
In 1993, the EPA made land application rules more stringent. At the same time, the Treasure Valley was experiencing significant growth. Areas traditionally used for agriculture were being encroached upon by urban development.
In 1994, the City of Boise purchased 2,325 acres of farmland for biosolids application and began growing crops - primarily, alfalfa, corn and small grains. Over the years, additional land was purchased, bringing the current farm acreage to 4,225.
For more information, or to schedule a tour:
(208) 608-7446
TTY: 1-800-377-3529
Thank you for your interest in the city's Twenty Mile South Farm. Please fill out the form below and the Biosolids Program Manager will be in touch with you.