Basics of Class B Biosolids

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1 Basics of Class B Biosolids Tressa Nicholas, MSCE State Biosolids Coordinator Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Wastewater Program/Water Quality Division January 2015

2 Dive into Wastewater Treatment

liquid http://www.descocorp.com/gallery_2.

3 Wastewater Treatment Creates two products: a liquid stream (effluent) and sludge sewage liquid

4 Sludge Sludge (unstabilized)

5 Sludge Disposal

Sludge Biosolids Biosolids Flowchart When treated and processed, sewage sludge becomes biosolids Biosolids can be safely used to sustainably improve and maintain

6 Sludge Biosolids Biosolids Flowchart When treated and processed, sewage sludge becomes biosolids Biosolids can be safely used to sustainably improve and maintain productive soils and provide nutrients for plants Beneficial Use Where some see waste, some see resources. Dryland Wheat grown using biosolids on the Columbia plateau

Farmers walking through field where biosolids were beneficially used.

7 Biosolids Treatment Designed to kill pathogens Reduce odors and vector attraction. Farmers walking through field where biosolids were beneficially used. Grass Hay grown with biosolids Biosolids can be safely used to sustainably improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth.

8 Composition of Biosolids Water Nitrogen Phosphorus Other nutrients and organic matter Trace amounts of metals and organic compounds Crop grown using biosolids Wisconsin. Injected into the soil.

Biosolids Benefits EPA and State of Idaho considers biosolids a beneficial resource. Nutrients and organic matter in biosolids can be recycled as a fertilizer used for soil augmentation.

9 Biosolids Benefits EPA and State of Idaho considers biosolids a beneficial resource. Nutrients and organic matter in biosolids can be recycled as a fertilizer used for soil augmentation. Cross-section of popular trees showing how sludge application increases tree growth. Both cross sections are 8 years old. Largest diameter grown with biosolids (Photo courtesy of Mike VanHam, British Columbia, Canada)

Capacity Adapted from http://www.kingcounty.

10 Biosolids Benefits Improve Soil Texture Stimulate Root Growth Increase Water Holding Capacity Adapted from

11 Constituents of Concern Nutrients Pathogens Odors and bio-aerosols Pollutants Trace elements Organic Toxins

12 Biosolids are Regulated Biosolids are subject to federal, state, and local regulations Biosolids must be treated to meet standards for: Pathogens Vectors Pollutants Land application at the Whitehouse

13 Biosolids Treatment Includes: Pathogen Reduction Class A Class B at least Class B to be land applied Class A Biosolids Class B Biosolids

14 Class B Land Application is Treatment Class B has some pathogens Pathogens are reduced by Heat Sunlight Drying Unfavorable ph Other microorganisms

15 Class B Restrictions at the Land Application Site: cvilletomorrow.typepad.com

16 Pathogen Treatment Sludge untreated (sometimes dewatered) contains pathogens for disposal or further treatment Class A Biosolids treated - no pathogens Class B Biosolids treated- some pathogens remain further treatment via land application Site restrictions during treatment time

negligible risk to human health (National Academy of Sciences, 2002 Study) http://www.

17 when practiced in accordance with existing federal guidelines Biosolids Beneficial Use EPA, WERF, NACWA have demonstrated that the beneficial land application of biosolids poses a negligible risk to human health (National Academy of Sciences, 2002 Study) Local farmer/landowners began applying King County biosolids to their wheat

18 It is safe because every particle has met the use requirements Class A Biosolids Garden

19 Building a Successful Biosolids Management Program

20 Safety and Public Perception

21 City of Boise, Idaho

23 Class A = Class B + Site Restrictions + Site Management Class A or B status are protective of human health and the environment: Because of the added site restrictions and management practices. All Biosolids applied to the land must meet Pathogen and Vector Attraction Reduction and Pollutant limits

Additional Resources Visit Sludge Biosolids Webpage http://www.deq.idaho.

24 Additional Resources Visit Sludge Biosolids Webpage Questions? Tressa Nicholas Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Wastewater Program State Biosolids Coordinator Phone:

Questions and Answers about Biosolids Recycling

Questions and Answers about Biosolids Recycling Sunflowers are frequently grown in Colorado using biosolids as a soil amendment. This brochure was produced by the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association