The Department of Environmental Protection, through an announcement in the Pennsylvania Bulletin dated March 26, 2016 (46 Pa.B. 1611 and 1612), stated that the General Permits for the Beneficial Use of Biosolids by Land Application (PAG-08), the Beneficial Use of Exceptional Quality Biosolids by Land Application (PAG-07), and the Beneficial Use of Residential Septage by Land Application (PAG-09) have been extended until April 2, 2017 to allow DEP more time to review and update the Permits. The DEP is most likely going to propose changes that will include language to bring the General Permits into compliance with PA Nutrient Management Regulations.

IN OTHER NEWS:  We will be presenting a paper in September, 2016 at the WEFTEC conference in New Orleans.  The title is, “Biosolids Hydrolysis Process and High Solids Liquid Fertilizer Reduces Land Application Costs and Complies with Nutrient Management Regulations.”  The solution?  Over the last eight years, a number of biosolids producers in Canada have made use of a biosolids hydrolysis process to overcome stakeholder concerns. This process produces a high solids EQ biosolids liquid that can be land applied in a way that offers a number of benefits to the ratepayer, the public, environmental regulators, and the farmer.  We will be presenting data showing how the benefits of the biosolids hydrolysis process and how its use can help farmers comply with Nutrient Management Regulations while reducing land application costs.

Three take-away points from this presentation include: #1 – All states will be impacted by the Natural Resource Conservation Service Nutrient Management requirements and biosolids recycling programs must make adjustments to remain viable.  #2 – Thermal hydrolysis may take place before or after digestion. In addition to producing Class A biosolids fertilizer product, it greatly reduces the odors at the processing and land application sites.  #3 – There are advantages to the handling, transportation, storage and land application of high solids liquid biosolids product.