Author: Barritt Amber M. Goodman Brett P. Zoltek Kim O.
Publisher: Water Environment Federation
ISSN: 1938-6478
Source: Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, Vol.2005, Iss.7, 2005-01, pp. : 8237-8259
Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been political concern and public outcry over the land application of biosolids, especially Class B biosolids. In Florida, several counties, including DeSoto, Sarasota, Martin, and Okeechobee, have either banned or severely limited the land application of Class B biosolids within their jurisdiction. Others, such as St. Lucie, Hernando, and Putnam Counties, are following suit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have conducted various sessions to discuss the current regulations regarding the land application of biosolids. In 2000, EPA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to conduct an evaluation of the EPA's current regulations and standards regarding the land application of biosolids, as presented in 40 CFR 503. The NRC committee concluded that, “There is no documented scientific evidence that the part 503 rule has failed to protect human health. However, additional scientific work is needed to reduce persistent uncertainty about the potential for adverse human health effects from exposure to biosolids” (NRC 2002).Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is committed to the protection of human health, the environment, and the positive public perception of biosolids land application. In an effort to demonstrate the success of a properly run Class B land application operation that meets all of the federal and state requirements, GRU initiated a comprehensive seasonal study to determine the pathogen reduction capabilities of their land application site. The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of GRU's biosolids land application program and provide scientific evidence that the current federal and state requirements for Class B biosolids are adequate for protecting human health in a properly managed treatment and disposal operation.The first phase of this comprehensive study was completed in the summer of 2003, with the second phase of the study completed in the spring of 2004. During each phase of the study, biosolids were applied under both surface and subsurface application methods. Soil samples were taken in various depths, both before and after application over a 30-day period, and analyzed for fecal coliforms,
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