Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #107600

Title: EPA/USDA BIOSOLIDS FIELD STORAGE GUIDE

Author
item Millner, Patricia
item HOGAN, SHARON - WHEELABRATOR BIOGRO
item WALTER, JOHN - US EPA OFFICE WASTEWATER

Submitted to: Biosolids Field Storage Guide
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Successful biosolids land application programs should have provisions to deal with daily biosolids production in the event biosolids cannot be land applied immediately. This contingency planning generally includes storage as well as other back-up options, such as landfill disposal, incineration or alternative treatment and use, including composting. Storage is necessary during inclement weather when land application sites are not accessible and during winter months when land application to frozen soil is prohibited. It also may be needed to accommodate seasonal restrictions on land availability due to crop rotations or equipment availability. The Part 503 rules do not specifically prescribe conditions of field storage. The focus of this document is on management practices for field storage (temporary or seasonal) of biosolids prior to land application, as distinguished from land application and spreading. It advocates the identification of critical points for control, coupled with a rapid and effective monitoring, communications, and management system to ensure community friendly practices. The guide addresses several critical areas, i.e., air quality (ordors), water quality, sanitation (pathogens), handling and safety, which have environmental and community relations consequences. The guide describes prevention and response procedures for the storage period, i.e., that phase between biosolids treatment and land application which is not covered by existing federal rules.