Are there rules about where biosolids can be applied at bulk rates?
Yes. To determine whether biosolids can be bulk applied to a particular site, an evaluation of the site’s suitability is generally performed by the land applier. The evaluation examines local water supplies, soil characteristics, slopes, vegetation, crop needs and the distances to surface and ground water sources. There are different rules for different classes of biosolids too. Class A biosolids contain no detectable levels of pathogens. For Class A biosolids that meet strict vector attraction reduction requirements and have low metal contents, the land applier will need only a permit ensuring that these very tough standards have been met. Class B biosolids are those that have been treated but still contain detectable levels of pathogens. There are buffer requirements, public access, and crop harvesting restrictions for virtually all forms of Class B biosolids. No environmental or health problems are expected from Class B biosolids if the above restrictions are followed. They are usua
