Will the use of biosolids adversely impact nearby surface waters and/or groundwater?
No. Properly treated and properly managed biosolids products do not have a negative impact on surface water or groundwater quality. As with any fertilizer or soil amendment, best management practices must be followed to prevent impacts via surface water runoff or via leaching to groundwater. By law, biosolids recycling programs must follow such best management practices; the same is not true for the use of manures and chemical fertilizers. Numerous biosolids recycling programs have caused documented improvements in the quality of surrounding water bodies. How? By enriching soils and helping vegetation grow more vigorously. This results in reduced soil erosion and stabilization of on-site contaminants that had previously contributed to stream and groundwater pollution.
Related Questions
- Is there a concern that groundwater supplies could be adversely affected by the use of recycled water for landscape and agricultural irrigation?
- Will the use of biosolids adversely impact nearby surface waters and/or groundwater?
- How are surface waters and groundwater protected from pollution in Scotland?
