You are probably asking yourselves "what are Biosolids"? Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials resulting
from the treatment of sewage sludge (a solid, semi-solid or liquid residue
generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works). When treated and processed, sewage sludge and residential septage can be recycled and applied as fertilizer to
improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth under
controlled conditions.
Biosolids can be recycled in agricultural use, mine reclamation, forestry,
and composting. Agricultural use of Biosolids meeting
strict quality criteria and application rates has been shown to produce
significant improvements in crop growth and yield. The
use of Biosolids can also reduce the farmer's production costs and replenishes
organic matter that has depleted over time. Biosolids
have been used successfully at mine sites to establish vegetation. The plant nutrient availability regenerates a soil layer. This is important when reclamation for abandoned mine
sites where there is very little or no topsoil. In the
forest industry Biosolids have been found to promote rapid timber growth,
allowing quicker and more efficient harvest of one of most important natural
resources. In addition, Biosolids may
be composted and sold or distributed for use on lawns and home gardens.
The Potter County Conservation District has a signed delegation agreement
with
- Assist DEP by providing
information and written material to the general public,
the regulated community, and the agricultural community concerning the
land application of Biosolids.
- Assist local municipalities
in evaluating suitable land application sites for Biosolids upon request.
- Review farm conservation plans and erosion and sedimentation control plans to
ensure Chapter 102 compliance and advise Regional Biosolids Coordinator
and Central Office Staff.
- Perform field checks to
ensure the farm conservation plan or erosion and sedimentation control
plan is implemented.
- Assist in the development and
implementation of a farm conservation plan if requested
or will refer the request to the Natural Resource Conservation Service
(NRCS).
- Assist landowner, hauler,
generator, ect. In
determining or reviewing the agronomic rate for application of Biosolids,
if requested.
- Immediately refer all
complaints to the DEP Regional Office.
- Monitor the land application
of Biosolids for educational research purposes only.
- Ensure that the farms where
Biosolids are land applied are in compliance with
the Chapter 102, Erosion Control Regulations.
- Respond to complaints
regarding the land application of Biosolids and conduct one site
inspection a year for each land application site.
Biosolid Terms
Agronomic Rate
- the annual whole
Biosolids application rate (dry weight basis) designed to provide the amount of
nitrogen needed by the crop; and to minimize the amount of nitrogen in the
Biosolids that passes below the root zone of the crop.
Biosolids - Nutrient rich organic
material produced from the stabilization of sewage sludge and residential septage that meet specific quality criteria and are
suitable for land application.
Metals - Inorganic substances commonly
found in sewage sludge. The regulations include
limitations on arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel,
selenium, and zinc.
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl) -
Organic compounds that have various industrial applications.
Pathogens - Disease causing organisms,
such as certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Permit - One of three Biosolids general
permits developed to implement the sewage sludge regulations.
Residential Septage
- A liquid or solid material removed from a septic tank, cesspool, portable
toilet, or similar device that receives only domestic sewage.
This excludes grease trap pumping and commercial and industrial waste.
Soil pH level - The acidity of soil. Soils with a pH between six and nine are considered
acceptable. Under six would constitute too much acid,
whereas above nine would mean too little acid.
Soil Tilth
- Cultivated
land; the state of aggregation of a soil especially in relation to its
suitability for crop growth.
Vector Attraction -
The characteristic of sewage sludge that attracts rodents, flies, mosquitoes,
or other organisms capable of transporting infectious agents.
Biosolids Web Site Links:
DEP-Biosolids Site
Penn State-Agronomy Site