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NACWA Priority Issues - Biosolids Management Print E-mail

Congress and the Administration need to continue their support of the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP), a not-for-profit alliance designed to further enhance biosolids management practices and promote public acceptance through its Environmental Management System (EMS). Through the EMS, NBP promotes the safe and effective management of biosolids at municipal wastewater agencies, advances environmentally sound and accepted biosolids management practices and fosters public acceptance of beneficial use activities. EPA should continue to conduct scientific studies regarding the safe handling of biosolids to ensure management decisions are based on the most current data and information available. Biosolids are a valuable resource of the clean water process and this nutrient-rich resource is in demand for soil enhancement and fertilization of America’s crops, nurseries, golf courses, parks, lawns and gardens. NACWA recommends that EPA and Congress work together to:

  • Support municipal flexibility to choose among land application, land filling and incineration of biosolids, pursuant to EPA requirements.
  • Continue to support land application of biosolids as an environmentally sound and accepted management practice.
  • Support funding for the NBP EMS program by allocating $1 million per year to the National Biosolids Partnership.
  • Continue to support the NBP and EMS concept through active participation and vocal support of biosolids reuse practices and other safe biosolids disposal methods.
  • Support EPA’s proposal to make biosolids available for public purchase under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Contact your Member of Congress and request full funding for the NBP EMS program.