Environmental Benefits of Re-evaluating Molybdenum Standard for Biosolids and Residual Utilization MWRA Advisory Board Manuel Irujo, VP of Operations, NEFCO May 21, 2015

~32,000 Tons of Pelletized Biosolids Produced Annually at MWRA Biosolids Processing Facility ~1,500 Tons Beneficially Reused in MA Annually (5%) ~10,000 Ton Annual Opportunity (30%)

Current MA Regulation Molybdenum (Mo) limit = 25 ppm Mo limit when applied to land utilized for grazing or growing forage crops = 10 ppm Tightest Mo limits in country

Mo Standard Reevaluation Reasonable Mo limit is 40 ppm (like NY State), based on O’Conner et al. (2001) reevaluation of original EPA 503 risk assessment Consistent with Executive Order #562 – Regulatory Reform Review Benefits to higher Mo limit include: Environmental Economic Operational

Environmental Benefits – Lower Air Emissions Shorter truck travel distances would reduce annual emissions ~1,250 truckloads shipped ~40 mile reduction per load ~80,000 miles reduction ~13,000 gallons of fuel saved ~145 tons CO 2 emissions per year eliminated Less fertilizer manufactured for MA use would reduce GHG carbon demand

Environmental Benefits – Recycling Organics Promotes biosolids recycling by increasing product demand. Stimulates, supports, and complements markets for other recycled organic residuals Biosolids pellet quality is consistent Quantity large and steady Supports MA regulatory efforts and policy of recycling organic residuals

Environmental Benefits – Less Chemical Use MA would reduce soluble phosphorous levels in soil. Biosolids promotes healthy soil: High organic content Increased soil carbon storage Slow release nutrients – less runoff Natural micronutrients

Environmental Benefits – Other Producers Southbridge, MA Nashua, NH Merrimac, NH Lewiston-Auburn, ME Various compost producers

Economic Benefits Farmers in MA would benefit. $20-$50 per acre saving Improved crop yields Faster plant establishment Repeated application leads to: Better root development Increased water retention Reduced potential for leaching BPF liquid nitrogen cost avoidance.

Operational Benefits Increasing MA shipments would improve product marketing diversification. Improved silo inventory management. Reduced reliance on wintertime land application in CT. Reduced thermal risk associated with high wintertime inventory. Reduced sampling requirements.

Summary – MA Mo limit of 40 ppm would… Provide many GREEN benefits Lower air emissions Enhance regulatory push to recycle organic residuals Support Executive Order #562 Provide other economic and operational benefits

Higher Mo = Green