Biosolids Links

Biosolids Links

These national and Virginia organizations provide information on biosolids:

www.epa.gov/biosolids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides oversight to the Federal biosolids rule for the use or disposal of sewage sludge is contained in 40 CFR Part 503. The EPA maintains a robust site on biosolids and its use, and includes a publication entitled A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule summarizes this comprehensive rule and was written to help make the Part 503 rule more understandable.

www.werf.org
The Water Environment Research Foundation sponsors research to ensure that the products of wastewater treatment are safe for both the public and treatment plant workers.  The Water Environment Federation (WEF) supports a comprehensive approach to wastewater treatment and solids management that ensures the recycling and recovery of valuable resources including water, nutrients, byproducts of the wastewater treatment process, are a renewable resource that is too valuable to waste in the context of growing needs for renewable energy and sustainability.

www.nacwa.org

For 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues, as well as a top technical resource for water management, sustainability and ecosystem protection interests.  NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. The Association’s unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.

www.nwbiosolids.org
The mission of the Northwest Biosolids Management Association (NBMA) is to advance environmentally sound biosolids management. Members of the NBMA support the beneficial use of biosolids and have joined forces to meet the challenge of finding safe, economical ways to manage biosolids. The organization’s purpose is to share knowledge about biosolids management between member agencies and companies; local, state and federal regulators; and the general public.

www.mabiosolids.org
The Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association (MABA) is a solution-oriented organization, providing technically sound information, leadership and coordination in the field of biosolids management. The MABA advances environmental stewardship through the practical utilization of a valuable resource and furthers the inclusion of biosolids use in the recycling ethic.

www.vafb.com
The Virginia Farm Bureau supports the “use of poultry litter, manure, organic fertilizers, and the state regulated application of biosolids as a source of nutrients on farmland and forestland.”

www.va-agribusiness.org
The Virginia Agribusiness Council supports appropriate use of funding for land application programs, including the Biosolids Use Program, at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Council supports funding for these programs in order to ensure that permits are issued in a timely and efficient manner, that vigilant enforcement programs are implemented, and that appropriate mechanisms are in place to gather input from those who are directly impacted by land application of biosolids or industrial residuals.

The Council supports land application, such as of biosolids and industrial residuals, and its regulation only at the state level. Current land application regulations are balanced, efficient and effective, based on sound science, and protective of both the environment and property rights of landowners utilizing these nutrients.

The Council supports adoption of county ordinances for testing and monitoring and appropriate training of local monitors to facilitate local participation in the testing and monitoring provisions of land application programs.