We are all responsible for generation of biosolids. Pennsylvanians produce an estimated 2.2 million tons of wastewater solids, or sewage sludge and residential septage, each year, nearly a quarter of a ton per household.
This material has proven to be a valuable resource, when controlled and safely applied, as a fertilizer to help rejuvenate farmland, forests and minelands.
In order to ensure safe use of biosolids, Pennsylvania's regulatory program focuses on setting strict standards for biosolids quality before land application and requiring generators to be more responsible.
This approach was developed after extensive studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and public review in Pennsylvania found land application is environmentally safe and beneficial to the soil. The regulations have been endorsed by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association and the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association.
Biosolids that do not meet the new environmental standards must either be incinerated or taken to a landfill for disposal.