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Biosolids Regulations in Pennsylvania: Overview and Application Guidelines

Discover the regulations surrounding biosolids in Pennsylvania, including their beneficial uses, classification criteria, and application requirements. Biosolids are nutrient-rich materials derived from wastewater treatment and septic tank processes, regulated since 1977. Learn about the specific criteria for biosolids classification, application rates, site suitability considerations, notifications, coordination with farmers, and site management practices.

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Biosolids Regulations in Pennsylvania: Overview and Application Guidelines

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  1. BIOSOLIDS USE AND REGULATION IN PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  2. What are BIOSOLIDS? • Nutrient-rich organic material resulting from the treatment of wastewater and residential septage Biosolids are generated from: Solids removed during the wastewater treatment process at Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) And Solids and liquids from residential septic tanks, holding tanks and other treatment units

  3. Beneficial Uses of BIOSOLIDS • Mine Reclamation • Forestry • Gardening/Landscaping • Agricultural Use

  4. Regulation of BIOSOLIDS • Regulated in Pennsylvania since 1977 • In 1997: DEP Waste DEP Water Management Management Site Criteria Biosolids Quality

  5. COVERAGE UNDER THE GENERAL PERMIT BENEFICIAL USE OF BIOSOLIDS GENERAL PERMIT APPLICATION SITE • ISSUED BY DEP • STANDARD CONDITIONS • FOR GENERATORS OF BIOSOLIDS AND LAND APPLIERS OF RESIDENTIAL SEPTAGE • SUBMITTAL OF NOTICE OF INTENT • APPROVED BY DEP • SITE MEETS SPECIFIC CRITERIA • NOTICE PROVIDED TO NEIGHBORS, DEP AND COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTS • APPROVED BY DEP

  6. BIOSOLIDS CLASSIFICATIONS GENERAL PERMITS PAG-07 EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY NON-EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY RESIDENTIAL SEPTAGE PAG-08 PAG-09 • BASED ON: • PATHOGEN REDUCTION • VECTOR ATTRACTION REDUCTION • POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS

  7. PATHOGEN REDUCTION ALTERNATIVES PROCESS CONTROLS PROCESS MONITORING INDICATOR ORGANISMS

  8. VECTOR ATTRACTION REDUCTION OPTIONS PROCESS CONTROLS PROCESS MONITORING SITE MANAGEMENT

  9. POLLUTANTS • ARSENIC • CADMIUM • COPPER • LEAD • MERCURY • MOLYBDENUM • NICKEL • SELENIUM • ZINC • PCBs

  10. NUTRIENTS • Calcium • Magnesium • Sulfur • Copper • Boron • Iron • Selenium • NITROGEN • PHOSPHORUS • POTASSIUM • Application rates are based on the nitrogen need of the crop • Greater rates may be approved for reclamation sites

  11. Exceptional Quality BIOSOLIDS • Application rates cannot exceed agronomic loading rate • Must be non-liquid and non-recognizable as human waste • For distribution, either in bulk or in a bag, a label or information sheet is needed.

  12. PAG-08 and 09 SITE SUITABILITY • Exceptional Value Waters and Endangered and Threatened Species • Isolation distances from: • Residences • Water Supplies • Regional and seasonal high water table • Streams • Sinkholes • Exceptional Value Wetlands • Slopes • Conservation or Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan • Nutrient needs

  13. PAG-08 and 09 NOTIFICATIONS • 30 Days prior to first application by a permit holder • Adjacent property owners (letters & signs) • County conservation district • DEP • 7 Days prior to first application by a permit holder • Occupant of the land receives an instruction • sheet

  14. PAG-08 and 09 Coordination with Farmer or Operator Farm Conservation or E & S Plan Soil pH Weather and Field Conditions Isolation Distances Transportation Storage and Staging Screening Application Access, Harvest and Grazing Restrictions SITE MANAGEMENT

  15. RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING PAG-07 PAG-08 PAG-09 • Quality Data • Responsible Party Certification • 2-Part Form • Biosolids Quality • Application Site • Quality Data Maintained for 5 Years • Application Site Data Maintained Indefinitely • Quality Data • Responsible Party Certification • Amount Sold or Given Away • Amount and Location of Bulk Applications • Data Maintained for 5 Years • Quality Data • Responsible Party Certification • One Form • Septage Quality • Application Site • Data Maintained for 5 Years

  16. Questions & Complaints Northwest Region 814-332-6945 Northcentral Region 570-327-3636 Northeast Region 570-826-2511 Southwest Region 412-442-4000 Southcentral Region 717-705-4700 Southeast Region 610-832-6000

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