MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group BIOSOLIDS Safe and Sustainable Management Options

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group What Are Biosolids Comprised primarily of bodies of single celled organisms used in wastewater treatmentComprised primarily of bodies of single celled organisms used in wastewater treatment Extended digestion process thoroughly breaks down organic materialExtended digestion process thoroughly breaks down organic material.

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Who Are the Local Biosolids Producers Everyone!

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Local Biosolids Management Sanitary DistrictsSanitary Districts City Wastewater Treatment PlantsCity Wastewater Treatment Plants

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Characteristics Blackish in colorBlackish in color 15% - 90% Solids15% - 90% Solids Mud-like to granular appearanceMud-like to granular appearance Mild to strong odor (musty or swamp like)Mild to strong odor (musty or swamp like)

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group EPA Classification Biosolids are classifiedBiosolids are classified according to : according to : Pathogens (diseasePathogens (disease causing organisms) Metals Metals

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Pathogens Class AClass A –Virtually pathogen free Class BClass B –Treated to remove most pathogens

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Metals EPA Table 3EPA Table 3 –Metals concentrations below threshold for impact

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Science Behind Biosolids Recycling Pathogens removedPathogens removed Metals below level of concern and immobilized in soilMetals below level of concern and immobilized in soil Many metals are trace nutrientsMany metals are trace nutrients Organic chemicals generally not present or at very low levelsOrganic chemicals generally not present or at very low levels

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Benefits of Biosolids Humus buildingHumus building NutrientsNutrients –Nitrogen, –Phosphorous –Potassium Organic NitrogenOrganic Nitrogen Micro NutrientsMicro Nutrients

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Soil Benefits Soil with biosolids Holds water Mixes with Soil Adds Nutrients Loses nutrients Soil compacted Water Runs off Soil without biosolids

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Crops Benefits Better root system Larger crop yields

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Comparison to Other Fertilizers PathogensPathogens MetalsMetals OtherOther

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Comparison of Nutrients in Biosolids and Manures

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Comparison of Heavy Metals in Biosolids and Manures

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Comparison of Heavy Metals in Biosolids and Commercial Fertilizers

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Public Perception ‘Ick / Yuck’ Factor‘Ick / Yuck’ Factor It’s Poop!It’s Poop!

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Common Public Concerns About Biosolids Heavy MetalsHeavy Metals PathogensPathogens Organic ChemicalsOrganic Chemicals (PCB’s DDT etc.) (PCB’s DDT etc.) Land Application 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.” Sarah Clark – Environmental Defense Fund

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Current Practices Land Application – Kern CountyLand Application – Kern County Distribution to local publicDistribution to local public Composting – Kern CountyComposting – Kern County Composting – Santa BarbaraComposting – Santa Barbara County County

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Range of Biosolids Recycling and Disposal Alternatives DisposalDisposal –Landfill –Monofill –Incineration RecyclingRecycling –Chemical stabilization –Pelletization –Land Application –Composting

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Drawbacks of Biosolids Disposal Availability of Landfill SpaceAvailability of Landfill Space –None in county –Out-of-County Difficult and Expensive Environmental Impacts of IncinerationEnvironmental Impacts of Incineration No MonofillsNo Monofills

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Threats to Biosolids Recycling Political ControlPolitical Control Poorly Managed OperationsPoorly Managed Operations Odor ComplaintsOdor Complaints Poorly Sited facilityPoorly Sited facility Incomplete Information to PublicIncomplete Information to Public Public PerceptionPublic Perception

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group SB 926 Allows Kern County to ban importation of biosolids for application to land.Allows Kern County to ban importation of biosolids for application to land. StatusStatus –Approved by State Senate –Assembly action pending

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group AZ NEVADA MEXICO Notes: Ordinances that permit land application may have restrictions that are more severe than U.S. EPA 503 Regulations. Consult each ordinance to verify. Ban on Land Application Practical Ban Ban on Class B Ordinance Permits Land Application No Regulations/Ordinances Enacted DEL NORTE MENDOCINO SAN FRANCISCO SISKIYOU MODOC LASSENSHASTA TRINITY HUMBOLDT DEL NORTE MENDOCINO TEHAMA PLUMAS GLENNBUTTESIERRA NEVAD A PLACER EL DORADO ALPINE AMADOR COLUSA LAKE SONOMA NAPA YOLO YUBA SUTTER SOLANO MARIN CONTRA COSTA ALAMED A SAN FRANCISCO SACRAMENTO SAN MATEO SANTA CRUZ SANTA CLARA SAN JOAQUIN STANISLAUS CALAVERAS TUOLUMNE MONO MERCED MARIPOSA MADERA SAN BENITO FRESNO TULARE INYO SAN LUIS OBISPO KERN KINGS SAN BERNARDINO SANTA BARBARA LOS ANGELES VENTURA RIVERSIDE IMPERIALSAN DIEGO ORANGE Current Status of Land Application in California MONTEREY

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group AZ OREGON NEVADA MEXICO Tomorrow’s Picture ? Rev. 7/18/01 Counties Likely Have Viable Class B Land Application Sites After Jan 1, 2003 Unavailable for Land Application Banned Too Urbanized No significant agriculture Too Far Available for Land Application Composting Site (limited Capacity ) Available Landfill Other Alternatives

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Developing Sustainable Alternatives Informed Decision MakersInformed Decision Makers Local ControlLocal Control SitingSiting First Rate OperationFirst Rate Operation

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group MJSWTG November 2003 – TAC Identified an in- county composting site as having sufficient capacity to meet mid-term (5-15 year) needs.November 2003 – TAC Identified an in- county composting site as having sufficient capacity to meet mid-term (5-15 year) needs. Identified inclusion of biosolids in the MSW Recycling and Waste Conversion Facility as preferred long term approach.Identified inclusion of biosolids in the MSW Recycling and Waste Conversion Facility as preferred long term approach.

MJSWTG Biosolids Work Group Ideal Outcome Long termLong termin-countysustainablesolution(s)