Thousands of municipalities are currently land applying or
otherwise recycling their biosolids. Both agricultural and non-agricultural sites
benefit from the nutrient and soil conditioning value of biosolids, which is
generally worth about $100 to $140 per agricultural application. Biosolids
have been used successfully in the production of many different food feed, and
horticultural crops; in the production of sod and the maintenance of turf; for
improved forest productivity; and for reclaiming and re-vegetating areas
disturbed by mining, construction, and waste disposal activities.The US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) promotes practices that provide for the beneficial
use of municipal sewage sludge biosolids, while maintaining or improving
environmental quality and protecting human health. The EPA continues to
provide guidance and rules for the safe use of biosolids. Its current rule for
the final use or disposal of biosolids (40 CFR Part 503) is the result of
nearly 10 years of intensive study and development. The biosolids now being
generated are for the most part low in pollutants, rich in nutrients and
organic matter, and highly suitable for recycling as a result of EPA's clean
water and pre treatment efforts. The Part 503 standards provide for a wide
range of different end-use possibilities for these biosolids.
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