Frequently
Asked
Questions
[ The FAQ's ]
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Frequently Asked Biosolids Questions
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- Where Are Biosolids Used?
Farmers and gardeners have been recycling biosolids for ages. Strip mine reclamation using biosolids started here in PA in 1980. Biosolids recycling is the process of beneficially using the treated residuals from wastewater treatment to promote the growth of agricultural crops, fertilize gardens and parks and reclaim mining sites. Land application of biosolids takes place in all 50 states. Philadelphia's biosolids meet the stringent standards of USEPA and the five surrounding states
- Why Are Biosolids Used On Farms?
Biosolids recycling reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. In fact, the organic matter in the biosolids improves soils water holding capacity, increases tilth and friability and allows plants to utilize nutrients more efficiently. The bottom line is that biosolids are one tool farmers use to achieve a sustainable ecosystem.
- What Percentage Of Biosolids Are Recycled And How Many Farms Use Biosolids?
About 50% of all biosolids are now being recycled to land. These biosolids are used on less than one percent of the nation's agricultural land and an even smaller percentage of Pennsylvania's strip mine land.
- Are Biosolids Safe?
The National Academy of Sciences has reviewed current practices, public health concerns and regulator standards, and has concluded that "the use of these materials in the production of crops for human consumption when practiced in accordance with existing federal guidelines and regulations, presents negligible risk to the consumer, to crop production and to the environment."
- Do Biosolids Smell?
Biosolids have their own distinctive odor usually described as a musty odor. Most odors are caused by compounds that contain sulfur and ammonia, which are both plant nutrients. The Philadelphia Water Department is participating in research projects to reduce biosolids odors. Many management practices are employed to minimize odors including complete digestion, blending with the soil surface, and hydro-seeding.
- Are There Regulations For The Land Application Of Biosolids?
The federal biosolids rule is contained in 40 CFR Part 503, PA Rules are Contained Chapters 271 and 275. Biosolids that are to be land applied must meet these strict regulations and quality standards. Both State and Federal Regulations contain numerical limits for metals and PCBs, pathogen reduction standards, site restrictions, and crop harvesting restrictions. The regulations also require monitoring, record keeping and reporting for recycled biosolids.
- Where Can I Find Out More About The Regulations?
The biosolids rule is described in the EPA publication, A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule. This guide states and interprets the Part 503 rule for the general reader. This guide is also available in hard copy. In addition to the Plain English Guide, EPA has prepared A Guide to the Biosolids Risk Assessments for the EPA Part 503 Rule which shows the many steps followed to develop the scientifically defensible, safe set of rules. This is also available from EPA in hard copy.
Helpful websites include:
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