~Biosolids~ A renewable Resource~

Biosolids are a nutrient-rich organic by-product of the wastewater treatment process which can be recycled and used to enhance soil conditions. It is a valuable, highly regulated, and sought-after resource that benefits farmers and the environment by building better soil, improving water retention, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biosolids are regulated under EPA section 503.

Organic based industrial food processing sludges may be liquid or solid (“cake”) are often beneficially reused as soil amendments (carbon, liming substitutes) and/or nutrient sources (nitrogen, phosphorus, micronutrients) for crop production. These organic based sludges include those from: cheesemaking, vegetable/food processing and food processing grease. All organic by-products are tested and permitte prior to arriving at our facility and will meet all state and federal regulations.

 It’s a common misconception that biosolids contain harmful levels of heavy metals. First, pre-treatment requirements regulate what can be discharged to wastewater treatment plants. Then, rigorous treatment, management practices, and regulatory oversight ensure low metal content and minimize or eliminate viable pathogens. Before biosolids are received at our facilities, every source is tested and verified to assure that the material is well within these limits. 

The management and use of biosolids are strictly governed by federal and state regulations to protect public health and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established standards that all preparers and users must follow. These regulations include requirements for pollutant limits, pathogen reduction, vector attraction reduction. Through mandatory testing, reporting, and management practices, ensuring the beneficial recycling of biosolids is conducted safely.

Our business addresses this challenge by transforming these organics into fertilizer, a better use of these nutrients. It has a long history of safe use as an alternative fertilizer. No more biosolids-based nutrients can be applied to a field than the crop being grown can take up. This limitation practically eliminates the potential for groundwater contamination. Recycling biosolids to grow crops reduces the use of valuable landfill space and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoidance benefits.

The Federal EPA 503 guidelines require that all biosolids must meet certain treatment levels to assure the public that the material is safe for land application. Prior to receiving biosolids at our facilities, all biosolids must meet all monitoring standards to assure complete compliance with all State and Federal and environmental regulations. 

Great care and all efforts are made to minimize odor in our surrounding communities. We believe in good management practices or modification to the operation may reduce odor emissions. The Federal government has listed several methods approved by the EPA to use to satisfy this requirement. Two of the methods we utilize are incorporation and direct injection. Both of these methods cover the biosolids with soil so that it cannot be seen while reducing odor.

Yes. Land application is a long-established method for recycling biosolids by returning nutrients and organic matter to soils. Providing the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, trace minerals, and other nutrients vital to the production of crops. In addition, there are strict guidelines that we adhere to for the recycling and land application of biosolids, including complying with all setback requirements from wells, streams, public buildings, homes and more. 

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)1 "Forever Chemicals" are a group of man-made fluorinated compounds which are used for a variety of applications by both industry and residential households. These chemicals are widely used because they are resistant to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are commonly found in every American household, and in products as diverse as:  non-stick cookware, clothing, carpets, furniture, food packaging, firefighting foam, cosmetics, dental floss and electronics.
 

Our facility and permit require us to monitor, test and report PFAS.   

We are strongly committed and diligent to meet all environmental requirements and standards at the federal, state and local levels. We will continue to do our part to support and protect public health, our resources and the environment. It is our obligation and commitment to reduce exposure to PFAS through the environment. 

Walter and Son Waste Hauling provides our services throughout the Midwest covering multi-state areas. However, if you have any questions regarding our service areas, please feel free to reach out.