How are biosolids regulated?
EPA and state environmental agencies regulate the use of biosolids. On Feb. 19, 1993, EPA published the 40 CFR (Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations) Part 503 Biosolids Rule governing the use and disposal of municipal sewage sludge pursuant to Sections 405(d) and (e) of the Clean Water Act. (Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge 40 CFR 503) Part 503 requirements are based on results of a comprehensive multimedia risk assessment that began in the mid-1970s and was more extensive than any previous federal rulemaking effort for biosolids. EPA’s publication, A Guide to the Biosolids Risk Assessments for the EPA Part 503 Rule, shows the many steps followed to develop the scientifically supportable, safe set of rules. The Part 503 rule includes numerical limits for metals in biosolids; pathogen reduction standards; site restrictions; crop harvesting restrictions and monitoring; and record keeping and reporting requirements for land applied biosolids. The rule includes similar r
InWestern Australia biosolids applied to agricultural land must comply with both the Environmental Protection Act and the Health Act, which are administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Health respectively. Both of these bodies require that biosolids application comply with the Western Australian Guidelines for Direct Application of Biosolids (Guidelines) unless approved otherwise by these bodies. In some instances, for biosolids applications greater than 1000t, the Department of Environment and Conservation issues a licence under the Environmental Protection Act for the activity. These Licences are issued for the property concerned (Prescribed Premises) to the Owner/Occupier of that property. In all cases, Licensed or otherwise, the Owner/Occupier of the property who is applying the biosolids is responsible for applying them in accordance with the Guidelines (and any specific additional approvals/commitments) and where issued the Licence. For
In Canada, biosolids are regulated at the provincial level, unlike in the United States where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Part 503 Rule sets regulatory requirements. In BC, biosolids are regulated through government permits or land application plans outlined in the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation.
