"Improving the productivity of our land using the soil conditioning properties and nutrient content of biosolids has human health and environmental advantages beyond those that are directly associated with applying biosolids to land. Secondary or related benefits of re-using biosolids result from a reduction in the adverse human health effects of incineration, a decreased dependence on chemical fertilizers, a reduction in the emissions associated with incineration that contribute to the "greenhouse effect," and a reduction in fuel and energy costs associated with incineration. EPA conducted two extensive epidemiological studies and found no adverse impacts on the human and livestock test population from land application of sludge. Biosolids were also fed to cattle, as a portion of their diet, here in Colorado, and no adverse effects were found." --Robert Brobst, P.E. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

"EPA collected and analyzed a tremendous amount of information concerning beneficial use practices such as land application. The research showed that in the many years of sludge use, there was not any evidence that beneficial use was causing any significant or widespread adverse effects to public health or the environment. This was the belief of most experienced practitioners--that sludge is safe if used properly--and now it has been fully documented." -- John F. Donovan, P.E., Vice President, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. Cambridge, MA

"King County [Seattle, WA] produces about 72 tons of biosolids every day. Over the years, the use of biosolids in King County has been supported by the cities of Snoqualmie, North Bend, Duvall and Issaquah, as well as by environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, Trout Unlimited, the Rivers Council of Washington,
the Alpine Lakes Protection Society, and the Mountaineers. Government agencies such as the state Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Seattle-King County Department of Health have also supported the use of biosolids on local lands." -- Snoqualmie Valley Record, May 27, 1999

The benefits of biosolids recycling are many. For more information on how biosolids are used, please see the how they are used page. Read below to learn more about the benefits of becoming involved in saving our soil.

"An open letter to the organic food and farming community,"

How do biosolids help soils and crops?
Biosolids enrich the soil with essential nutrients. Plants need a complex mixture of nutrients, soil, air, and water to grow well. Biosolids contain a full range of essential plant nutrients that are released gradually, as the plants need them, during the growing season.

Biosolids also add organic matter to the soil. Organic matter allows the soil to breathe and, at the same time, hold more water. The result is decreased water runoff and soil erosion, and increased water conservation. These attributes may help a farmer comply with best agricultural conservation practices.

Q:

A:

How can human and industrial waste materials possibly be good for RECYCLING?
Waste materials are extensively treated and transformed at wastewater treatment ("clean water") facilities. These facilities use the most advanced and effective treatment methods available to remove water, eliminate harmful bacteria, and reduce contaminants. As a result, biosolids are created that are, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as safe--or more safe--than other common materials used in agriculture. EPA and New England state environmental agencies have determined that recycling is the preferred option for biosolids management.

According to Sarah Clark-Stewart, former scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund, "Biosolids recycling is the best means of returning to the soil nutrients and organic matter that were originally removed. It is recycling a resource just as recycling newspapers or bottles is. If the right safeguards are taken, it can be environmentally protective and even beneficial."

(Portions of text courtesy of the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, used with permission).

An open letter to the organic food and farming community......from those who manage biosolids

The people of the wastewater treatment field, farmers who use biosolids, and the North East Biosolids and Residuals Association (NEBRA) understand that there is concern about biosolids recycling and that biosolids are not seen as appropriate for use in organic agriculture at this time. However, we hope that those involved in organic food and farming will take the time to learn more and come to better understand what biosolids recycling is, why it is necessary and beneficial (i.e. biosolids exist and must be managed in some fashion), and how it compares to other accepted agricultural practices--including organic practices. What is notable, for instance, is that earlier generations of organic farmers considered biosolids/sewage sludges to be a potential boon--just look in an older version of The Rodale Guide to Composting. And today’s biosolids are "cleaner" than ever, more carefully regulated and managed, and more thoroughly researched.

Biosolids can be an important part of sustainable agricultural systems:

Trace metals are the most frequently cited concern and are the components in biosolids that have been most thoroughly researched and are most carefully regulated and controlled. The same trace metals also occur in soil amendments and fertilizers that are certified organic. For instance, more cadmium has been applied to agricultural soils via phosphate fertilizers than could ever be applied via biosolids. What is critical is that we ensure that trace metals do not accumulate in soils to levels that can cause harm. Biosolids recycling programs must, by law, ensure this.

Wastewater contains discharge from homes, businesses, and industry. Biosolids contain trace amounts of some synthetic chemicals. But so do manures and even organic-certified soil amendments. And homes are contributors of trace contaminants to modern wastewater treatment facilities just as much as industry. What is important is that the fate of chemicals in wastewater treatment facilities, in biosolids, and in soils has been studied. And the scientific evidence is that, through the variety of physical and biological processes involved in treatment, composting, and/or land application, almost all trace chemicals degrade or volatilize. Those few that are more persistent are found in biosolids at very low levels--similar to levels found in background soils and manures--and do not create any increased risk to public health or the environment.

Human disease-causing organisms are a third concern in biosolids. Research has shown no increase in health problems at wastewater treatment facilities or on farms where biosolids are used. There has never been a documented case of illness due to biosolids recycling; meanwhile, many illnesses and deaths have been attributed to the use of manures--a widely-accepted practice.

Biosolids recycling uses a source of organic matter and nitrogen from a local or regional source, rather than depending on distant sources and associated transportation (and environmental) costs. Biosolids must be applied at agronomic rates; thus, the potential for contamination of ground and surface waters by excess nutrients is less than with other fertilizers.

Biosolids recycling involves simple technologies: wastewater treatment facilities are living systems that imitate and enhance natural physical and biological processes. Solids are stabilized by simple systems--anaerobic digestion or the addition of lime. After testing for quality, the resulting biosolids are most often added to soils through direct land application or are composted. These processes adhere to organic farming’s appreciation of simple technologies.

We share considerable common ground:

We in the biosolids field join the organic community and other environmentalists in calling for stronger pollution prevention programs. We share the understanding that we all contribute to wastewater, whether we are on a sewer or a septic system. All our waste-streams should be as safe as possible for the environment. Pollution prevention is the best way to achieve this goal.

We work day in and day out to utilize biosolids in ways that protect the environment and benefit agricultural systems. Like you, we put to use a significant source of organic matter and nutrients, which--like manures--improve soil quality.

Remember, by reducing the discharge of nutrients to receiving waters and regulating commercial sewer use, the wastewater treatment industry has done more to improve water quality than anyone else. Biosolids recycling is a part of that effort.

For more information, please feel free to contact NEBRA.