Fecal Sludge Management in Jordan Feburary 2016 Dr. Amer Al-Homoud WWTPs in Jordan

Amman-Jordan OUTLINE Background Problem USG Support FSM and Handling Legal Framework Challenges Progress Questions 2

In 2004, Jordanian population was 6.5 million – that number rose to 9.5 million by Percent population with access to improved water supply exceeds 94%. Percent population with safe sanitation exceeds 93% (63% coverage by sewer system and 30% by other safe methods). Jordan is reusing 91% of its treated wastewater in agriculture. BACKGROUND 3

There are approximately a half million cubic meters of biosolids that have accumulated at the As Samra WWTP – and at smaller WWTPs. PROBLEM 4

Formerly, sludge was trucked to an open lagoon system. TWO ADJACENT FACILITIES AT EKEDER 5

Over the last 50 years, the U.S. Government (USG) supported the Government of Jordan in funding the construction of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and sewage connections. With USAID support, the Prime Minister issued a directive to authorize implementation of bio-solids for restricted land application. Bio-solids are used successfully as soil amendments for food crops, fodder crops, landscaping, and rangelands restoration in the region. U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT 6

FSM AND HANDLING Six options were investigated −Mono landfill −Composting −Land application −Incineration −Gasification −Cement kiln 7

LEGAL FRAMEWORK JS 1145/2006 (Uses of Treated Sludge and Sludge Disposal) regulates the process of bio-solids management: −Treatment and production. −Storage and transportation. −Use (organic fertilizers and/or soil conditioner). −Monitoring, control, and safety. However, JS 962/2011 (Organic Fertilizers) prohibits the production, trade, and use of organic fertilizers and soil conditioners originating from WWTP’s. 8

CHALLENGES Policy: −Due to a 2011 directive, bio-solids cannot be used for any agriculture and/or non- agricultural application anywhere in the Kingdom. −JS962 should be aligned with JS1145. Perception: −Cultural and religious fears - “not pure”. History: −Trade with Gulf States affected in the past. 9

PROGRESS National Committee on FSM formed in Dec Mar 9 -10, 2015, a workshop was held to identify and address concerns of Jordanian stakeholders in relation to bio-solids highlighting regional and U.S. experience with bio-solids usage. April 2015, the Technical Committee recommended that Jordan allow the use of bio-solids. JS962/2011 should defer to JS1145:2006 regarding the use of bio-solids in restricted land application, currently under review. 10

QUESTIONS? 11