1. Status Report: Blue Plains Biosolids Management Plan
Report to the Blue Plains Regional Committee
by Karl Berger
March 24, 2011

2. Presentation Outline
Virginia regulatory status – staff recommendations
Maryland legislation
Biosolids research
Biosolids composting initiative
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

3. Virginia Regulatory Status
State of Virginia released draft of regulations for public comment in late February
Acceptable compromises on signage, storage, nutrient management and buffers
Some concern that Board will want to make changes
VAMWA, others preparing comments
Technical Advisory Committee (Karl Berger is rep) will provide input on any changes
Final regs are expected in late 2011, early 2012
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

4. Virginia Regulations – Proposed Comment Letter
Emphasize importance of Blue Plains to region, role in helping to manage wastewater from northern VA
Cite NBP-certified biosolids management program
Endorse VAMWA’s comments
Support process that led to proposed regulations
Technical Advisory Committee input
Participation of Va. Dept. of Health
Focus on buffers, nutrient management
Extension of buffers to 400 feet represents “abundance of caution”
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

5. 2011 Maryland Legislation H.B. 24 (still alive)
Would require winter application of biosolids to be treated the same as winter application of manure
Effectively a ban on winter application
S.B. 404 (killed in committee)
Would limit biosolids permitting to “owner-occupied” sites
Less than 40 % of all currently permitted sites would meet this requirement
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

6. Ongoing Research Projects
Biostimulant/greenhouse gas study
Wye surface application to hybrid poplars
Land base analysis of phosphorus, lime impacts
Note – DC Water and WSSC also fund projects directly
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

7. 2nd Year results document hypothesis that biosolids improve stress resistance
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

8. District Biosolids Composting Initiative
McGill composting facility processes app. 1,100 wet tons/month of Blue Plains biosolids
Backhaul option available to reduce hauling costs
Working with D.C. Urban Forestry to use compost in tree planting, soil rehab projects; 2 finished to date:
soil restoration project in median at Florida Avenue and N Capital Street
two-block re-vegetation project at N Capitol and P streets
Project helps pave way for future use of Class A horticultural product from digesters
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011

9. District Biosolids Compost Project
BPRC meeting of March 24, 2011