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INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to
announce the 1999 Beneficial Use of Biosolids Awards Program. This is the
twelfth anniversary of this highly successful program that recognizes
outstanding operating projects, research studies, technological advances, and
public acceptance activities that promote the beneficial use of municipal
biosolids. EPA encourages your submission of nominations.
This program is being announced on the Internet and in publications and
bulletins. The very process of preparing a nomination package has considerable
benefit. It helps preparers focus on the relevance of their efforts and facilitates
the spread of knowledge about excellence of nominated activities so that others
might benefit. Transfer of information about all nominated activities is very
important; so, please do not miss the opportunity to submit your nomination.
EPA encourages States and Regions to have local Beneficial Use of Biosolids
Awards Programs. Such local programs increase the opportunity for recognition,
promote public understanding of biosolids recycling at the local level, and
emphasize the benefits and sound science behind use. Water Environment
Federation (WEF) Member Associations, the National Biosolids Partnership
(NBP), and Regional Biosoiids Management Associations will be encouraging
nominations in this year's awards program. We have added criteria to the
categories to recognize programs with sound management, training to ensure
community-friendly practices, and effective communication and cooperation
among ail stakeholders in the biosolids recycling process. These changes are
consistent with the NBP on-going efforts to develop an Environmental
Management System for Biosolids (EMS) that all biosolids recyclers should want
to implement.
This pamphlet describes the awards program in detail and provides guidance for
preparing and submitting nominations. Please note that you need to send your
nominations to the EPA's Regional Offices by the deadlines specified in this
document so that your outstanding efforts can be considered for both our
Regional and National competitions. The National awards will be presented in
October 1999 at the Annual WEF Conference and Exposition (WEFTEC) in New
Orleans, Louisiana.
Sincerely,
Tichael J. Qufglej
Director, Municipal S^ppbrt/Oivision
Office of Wastewater Management
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NOMINATION GUIDANCE
for the
1999 BENEFICIAL USE OF BIOSOLIDS
AWARDS PROGRAM
OMB Control # 2040-0101
Expires 12-31-00
OMB NOTICE
Interested respondents may express their concerns regarding this nomination guidance. The
respondents'burden for this collection of information is estimated to average eight hours per response.
The collection burden includes the time for the respondent to review instructions, search existing data
sources, gather and present the data needed, and complete and review the collection of information.
EPA's burden is estimated to average six hours to review the responses.
Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing the burden: to the Regulatory Information Division (2137), US
Environmental Protection Agency, 401MStreet SW, Washington, D.C. 20460; and to Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, D.C. 20503.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the awards program is to recognize significant contributions in
the development and implementation of cost-effective, environmentally safe and
publicly acceptable biosolids beneficial use practices which recycle nutrients,
improve soil conditions, or otherwise conserve valuable natural resources. This
excellence awards program helps EPA achieve its goal of promoting, collecting
and disseminating information pertaining to the beneficial use of biosolids as
authorized and encouraged under Section 405 (g) of the Clean Water Act. The
Biosolids Beneficial Use of BiosoSids Awards Program is part of the Office of
Water's National Wastewater Excellence Awards Program and is authorized by
Section 501 (e) of the CWA.
This Nomination Guidance may also be found on the Internet at
HTTP://WWW.EPA.GOV/OWM/BIOGUD.HTM
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AWARD CATEGORIES
Nominations will be accepted for recognition of excellence in a wide range of
activities that have stimulated beneficial use of municipal biosolids. National
awards may be presented in the following categories:
• Operating Projects (large & small). Outstanding, full-scale, beneficial use
technologies.
• Technology Development Activities. Significant technological improvements
that have been developed and fully proven at the operational level; these
may be pilot or full scale activities.
• Research Activities. Studies that have substantially contributed to an
improved understanding of biosolids beneficial use practices, improved
public acceptance, and/or advanced the technology.
• Public Acceptance Activities (municipal & others). Significant local,
regional, and national activities that have increased the acceptance by the
public of biosolids beneficial use practices.
NOMINATION AND AWARD INFORMATION
• Nominations for awards may be submitted by anyone including the nominee,
EPA Regions, States, WEF Member Associations, municipalities,
consultants, researchers, or other interested parties.
• Nominated entries may include both individuals and groups from private as
well as public organizations.
• As these nomination packages are prepared, it is important to tell the story
about the biosolids beneficial use activity in a manner that clearly shows the
benefits and simultaneously reduces natural public concern. This
information can often be utilized locally for press releases, brochures and
other public acceptance purposes.
• Previous first place winning projects or activities will not be considered as
candidates for the same award category for a five-year period. However,
second place winners can reapply after a one year wait to try for first place in
the same award category. Unsuccessful nominees for awards may
immediately apply again for an award the very next year. Persistence has
paid off for many nominees who have won awards after several years of
attempts and improved nomination packages.
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Check with your Regional EPA office for any details about a possible local
awards competition in your state.
For consideration in the National Awards Program, completed nomination
packages (see specified format pages 6 & 7) must be received in duplicate by
the EPA Region in which your primary office is located (pages 9 & 10).
The tentative Regional deadlines for receipt of nominations are shown on
page 9. Important-Please check with the appropriate Regional Office
contact (page 10) for any Region-specific nomination guidance and for that
Region's final submission deadline.
Entries will be considered for State and Regional Awards (where applicable)
as well as National awards. Regions will forward one copy of each qualified
Nomination package to EPA Headquarters by the June 4,1999, National
deadline.
Nomination packages (received for the National competition) will be
reviewed by a panel consisting of representatives from EPA, WEF, and other
groups against the evaluation criteria (see pages 4 & 5) during June 1999.
State and EPA Regional offices (where applicable) will also review the
nominations for a separate competition in their Region. Because the
National and Regional award programs involve separate review panels and
because all qualified entries may be considered in both competitions, it is
possible that winners in the National award program may differ from the
Regional award winners.
Nominated activities may sometimes be chosen for special recognition ,
rather than a categorical award.
National award recipients will be notified by approximately July 23,1999,
after a final screening for compliance of the recommended winners.
National awards consisting of a certificate and plaque will be presented on
October 11,1999, at WEFTEC Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Because of budgetary limitations, EPA will be unable to pay for travel to the
awards program. Alternate provisions will be made to present awards to
those unable to attend the National Excellence Awards Ceremony in October.
Short articles describing National award winning beneficial use activities will
be developed by EPA and WEF for publication in WEF1 Operations Forum.
Subsequent publications describing those Regional as well as National
activities will be encouraged. Photographic prints (not facsimile copies) and
key facts about both winning and non-winning entries will be used in EPA
publications that encourage beneficial biosolids recycling.
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EVALUATION CRITERIA
The beneficial biosolids use award candidates will be evaluated against the
following criteria:
FOR OPERATING PROJECTS [Two Categories: (1)<5MGD (2)>5MGD
(Note: Categorization is based upon the actual average daily flows, and not
the design capacity. If the facility only processes biosolids, then the two
categories are (1) < 5 dry tons per day [DTPD] and (2) > 5 DTPD)
• Significant recycling/reuse of natural resources (e.g., nutrients, organic
matter, and energy).
« Sustained, full-scale, proven operation over several years.
• Consistent, cost-effective operation.
• Public acceptance.
• Compliant with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.
» Management of nutrients, and control of nuisances such as odor, dust and
traffic.
• Excellence in project management, and particularly management that fosters
close communication and coordination among all biosolids stakeholders
from generator to end user as well as project neighbors and the public.
FOR TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION OR DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
• Sustained excellence in advancing our knowledge of technologies that
recycle biosolids (e.g., improved design criteria or operational practice).
• National application -- technology that has potential for use in many other
areas across the country.
• Operationally proven.
• Resolved previous biosolids management or utilization problems and have
helped gain public acceptance.
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FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
• Greater public acceptability of biosolids recycling.
• Greatly improve our understanding of the environmental effects associated
with beneficial use of biosolids.
• Substantial contribution toward the development of improved technological
design and operation.
• Key information generated for the development of improved biosolids
regulations and guidance, e.g., for use in the new EMS now being developed
for biosolids.
FOR PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE [Two Categories: (1) Municipalities (2) All Others]
• Demonstrated increases in both public acceptance and public demand. The
term "public" is meant to include regulatory agencies, agricultural
organizations, water quality professionals, public health officials,
environmentalists, academic institutions, and the news media as well as the
general public. Indicators of "demand" include such factors as waiting lists
and users paying for biosolids.
• Characterized by dedicated and successful individual and team efforts.
• Demonstrated willingness to share information and approaches for gaining
public acceptance.
• Proactive successful approaches for working the press and other groups
explaining the benefits of biosolids use, cultivating and gaining allies, and
educating against unfounded alarmist stories that may arise.
• Excellence in local information transfer and training efforts that have made a
positive local difference, (e.g., on-site demonstrations and collaborative
efforts involving the involvement of municipalities, citizens, universities, and
others).
• Characterized by managers who work with all stakeholders to identify and
utilize critical control points for ensuring sound management and
community-friendly practices.
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NOMINATION FORMAT .
The information described in the Nomination Format should be supplied in the
nomination package. The completeness of information provided and the manner in
which the nomination addresses the Evaluation Criteria in both the Executive
Summary and the text is especially important.
All nominations must be submitted in duplicate in the following format to the
appropriate EPA Regional Office (see pages 9 & 10).
1. IDENTIFYING INFORMATION (See sample front page form on page 8)
Name, address, affiliation, telephone number, NPDES number (if applicable),
and the spokesperson for the project or activity. Please also indicate the
applicable government officials that you would like notified should your
entry win an award (see form on page 8).
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (2 pages or less)
Describe the project or activity indicating the award category for which the
nomination is proposed and how you believe it meets the evaluation criteria.
3. FACILITY/ACTIVITY INFORMATION (4-5 pages)
Provide the following relevant information, if applicable, to adequately
support the nomination.
(a) Biosolids type, quantity (expressed as dry solids used per day, week
or year), quality (nutrient and pollutant concentrations compared with
Part 503 Table 3 pollutant concentration limits), processing
information, and other details relevant to the beneficial use practice or
activity. Be specific regarding the unit processes, including biosolids
production and processing details. Account for the types and
amounts of biosolids going to each beneficial use practice (and
disposal practice — if any).
(b) Duration and size of the project or activity; extent of ability to operate
at design level; and cost and effectiveness information.
(c) Describe the project monitoring program as it determines compliance,
keeps the public informed of biosolids transport and use, evaluates
performance, and helps modify practices.
(d) Describe the contributions of the cooperating parties to the beneficial
use project or activity.
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(e) Provide sufficient information so that the awards judges can determine
the compliance of nominated projects with applicable local, State, and
Federal regulations.
(f) Describe important project management activities that maintain and
promote excellence and maximize the benefits of biosolids use, (e.g.,
hold down costs; improve biosolids quality; use a written code of good
practice or other means to promote compliance with rules, manage
nutrients and minimize odors and other nuisances; and promote
acceptance via working with allies, press and the public).
(g) Describe training activities which have improved operations,
performance, and public acceptance.
(h) Describe the effectiveness of the local pretreatment program that has
resulted in better quality and easier use of biosolids.
(!) Describe special innovative practices or activities.
(j) Discuss how obstacles (technical, political, public acceptance, or other)
have been overcome as a result of the nominated activity.
(k) Give evidence of the enhanced benefits that have resulted from the
activity such as lower costs for biosolids management, lower energy
consumption, payments for biosolids by users, enhanced soil
properties, better crop productivity and quality, enhanced plant disease
resistance, lower human health risks, greater National adoption of
practice, and improved public acceptance and demand for biosolids
products.
4. ATTACHMENTS
Supporting materials may be attached. The attachment should include a short
cover index page that lists the various supporting materials and gives about a
4- to 6-line description of each item.
Photographs of the activity are strongly encouraged. Please provide the
actual photographic prints rather than Xerox copies of prints, since only the
prints are suitable for printing in publications. EPA and others would like to
use your prints in publications that promote beneficial use of biosolids and
provide greater recognition of your activity.
Note: Sheer bulk of information is not desirable. Be concise and attach items
that truly substantiate the importance and relevance of the beneficial use
project or activity. Please do not send materials that you wish to have sent
back because application materials are not returned.
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SAMPLE FRONT PAGE (1999 Biosolids Beneficial Use Awards Program)
I. Proposed Award Category
II. Facility Identification Name
a) Official Name and Address of Award Entity to be Engraved on Plaque
and Certificate
b) Type of Ownership
(e.g., corporate, private or public, university, etc.)
Zip Codes of Service Area
(used to notify US Representatives)
c) Contact Person Regarding the Nomination
Their Title, Address, Telephone No.
HI. Award Notification
a) Name, Organizational Title, Address and Telephone No. of Local
Official (e.g., Mayor, Authority Board President, Corporate
President, Department Chairman, etc.):
b) Federal and State Political Notifications
US Senators & Representatives (list names only)
State Governor's Name & Address
c) Other.
IV. One Sentence Description
Lists the Most Significant Noteworthy Features of the Operation/Activity
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TENTATIVE REGIONAL DEADLINES FOR NOMINATIONS
EPA Tentative *
Region Deadline Dates
States
2
3
7
8
9
10
05-21-99
03-19-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
05-21-99
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
Texas
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Utah, Wyoming
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American
Samoa, Guam
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
These deadline dates for receipt of award nomination packages are
tentative. Please check with your Regional Office for verification.
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EPA REGIONAL CONTACT: (See List of States in Each Region, Page 9)
Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Also
Contact:
Address
Contact
Office of Ecosystems Protection Thelma Hamilton
One Congress Street, Suite 1100 (CMU)
Boston, MA 021 14-2033
Division of Enforcement and
Compliance Assistance
290 Broadway, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10007-1866
EPA Water Protection Division
841 Chestnut Street (3WP23)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
EPA Water Management Division
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth St., SW
Atlanta, GA 30303-8960
EPA Water Division (WN-16J)
77 West Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
Alia Roufaeal
Jim Kern
Jim Adcock
John Colletti
Permits Section, Permits Branch Stephanie Kordzi
Water Quality Protection Div. (6WQ-PP)
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75202
EPA NPDES & Facilities
Management Branch
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
Biosolids Mgmt Program (8P-W-P)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
EPA Clean Water Act
Compliance Office (WTR7)
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
EPA NPDES Permits Unit (OW130)
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Cynthia Sans
Bob Brobst
Lauren Fondahl
Dick Hetherington
The Water Environment Federation
Attention: Technical & Educational Services
601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone
617-918-1615
Fax:
617-918-1505
212-637-3864
Fax
212-637-3953
215-814-5788
Fax:
215-814-2302
404-562-9248
Fax:
404-562-9224
312-886-6106
Fax:
312-886-7804
214-665-7520
Fax:
214-665-2191
913-551-7492
Fax:
913-551-7765
303-312-6129
Fax:
303-312-7084
415-744-1909
Fax:
415-744-1235
206-553-1941
Fax:
206-553-1280
703-684-2400
Fax:
703-684-2492
E-mail
Hamilton.thelma@epa.gov
Roufaeal.alia@epa.gov
Kern.jim@epa.gov
Adcock.james@epa.gov
Colletti.john@epa.gov
Kordzi.Stephanie@epa.gov
Sans.cynthia@epa.gov
Brobst.bob@epa.gov
Fondahl.lauren@epa.gov
Hetherington.dick@epa.gov
Ed emichele@wef.org
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PREVIOUS NATIONAL BENEFICIAL BIOSOLIDS USE AWARD WINNERS
Category
Operating
Projects
(>5MGD)
Winner \A ctivityl
Operating
Projects
(<5 MGD)
Technology
Development
CityofTacoma,WA[/W
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PREVIOUS
NATIONAL BENEFICIAL BIOSOLIDS USE AWARD WINNERS (cont.)
Category
• Winner [A ctivity]
Award*/Year
Research WSSC Montg Co, MD Comp Fac [Trt Pit Process/Odor}
Activities City of Phila.Water Dept, PA [Comp Opns & VOC's]
Dr. Terry Logan, Ohio State Univ, OH
Rocky Mt. Forests Rang* ExpSta.NM
Los Angeles County San Dist, CA [Camp Odor/VOC]
Drs. AI Page & Andrew Chang, Univ of CA, Riv.
Dr. Paul Giordano, Tenn Valley Authority, AL
Dr. Rufus Chaney, US Dept. of Agriculture, MD
Dr. Michael Overcash, NC State University
Univ. of MN, USDA Research Team
W124JW170 Regional Research Comm., USDA, CSRS
Allentown, PA/Penn State U, Palmerton [Reveg]
public Iowa Water Pol Cont Assoc, Ames, IA [Other]
Acceptance Cartersville, GA [Municipal]
Memphis, TN, TE Maxson WW Trt Pit [Municipal
City of Tacoma, \N^[Municipal]
New England Interstate WPC Commission [Other]
Rocky Mts. Water Environ Association [Other]
Dr. Lee Jacobs, Mich State Univ., Ml
Special Philadelphia, PA Water Dept [Reclaim Strip Mines]
Recognition Lime Lake Reclamation Project [ Priv Reclaim Indust Lands]
Tim Frank Septic Tank Cleaning Co [National Support
Compliant Services]
Springfield, MA [Overcome Serious Odors/Acceptamce]
Maine Compost Team, Augusta [Team Excellence]
Mountains to Sound Greenway Biosolids Forestry
Program, WA [Stakeholders Use Biosolids Env Ben]
Environ. Waste Recycling Inc., NC [Pub Acpt & Opns]
Northwest Biosolids Mgmt Assoc, WA [Pub Acpt]
Maine Waste Water Control Assoc, ME [Pub Acpt]
Oyzboyd Environmental Svc, GA [Vert Bed Dewater]
City of Tampa, FL Hookers Point WW Trt. Plant
[Optimizing Use of Digester Gas]
Dr. Arthur E. Peterson, Dept of Soil Sci,
Madison, Wl [Sludge Research in W/]
The College of Forest Resources, Univ of WA
[Cooperative R&D, Appl to Forest Ecosystems]
NutraLime, St. Paul, MN [Incin. Ash + Water
Treatment Sludge for Land Improvement]
Metro. Water Reclam. Dist. of Greater Chicago
[Long Term Multiple Contrb. to Beneficial Use]
BioGro Systems, Inc., MD [Sustained Service &
Enhanced Public Acceptance]
City of Los Angeles, CA & Ag Tech Co., AZ [Public-
Private Team from Ocean Disp. to Ben Use]
East Bay Municipal Utilities Dist., CA [Sustained
• Contribution to Beneficial Use & Composting]
1st 1998
1st 1995
1st 1994
2nd 1994
1st 1993
1st 1991
2nd 1991
1st 1990
2nd 1990
1st 1989
1st 1988
2nd 1988
1st 1998
1st 1997
1st 1996
2nd 1996
1st 1996
2nd 1996
1st 1995
1998
1998
1998
1997
1997
1996
1996
1994
1994
1994
1992
1992
1992
1991
1991
1990
1989
1989
"1st and 2nd place awards are not always given
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PREVIOUS NATIONAL BENEFICIAL BIOSOLIDS USE AWARD WINNERS (cont.)
Category
Winner {Activity]
Award*/Year
Honorable Village Creek WW Tit Pit, Ft Worth, TX [1 A] (LOP) 1998
Mention Greenville, NC Utilities Commission [Spray Irrig] (LOP) 1998
Pole Bridge Creek San Dist, Oekalb Co, QA[LandAp] (LOP) 1997
City of Gastonia, NC [Land Ap] (LOP) 1997
Letchworth Ave WWTP, Billericia, MA [Comp] (OP) 1997
Winston-Salem, NC, Archie Elledge WWTP [L A] (LOP) 1996
Littleton/Englewood, CO WW Trt Pit [Dryland] (LOP) 1996
Louisville, CO WW Tit Pit [Windrow Comp] (OP) 1996
Rochester Water Reclamation Plant, MN [Pub A cpt] 1996
Bloomington & Normal Water Rec Dist, IL [L API (OP) 1995
Knoxville, TN Util Bd [LandAp, Strip Mine} (LOP) 1995
St Charles MO River Trt Fac, [Land Ap] (OP) 1995
City of Salem, OR [Land Ap] (OP) 1994
Broward County, FL [Mkt & Product] (Res) 1994
Benton Harbor-St. Joseph, Ml WW Trt Pit, [L Ap] (OP) 1992
Madison, Wl, Metro-Gro [Land Use] (LOP) 1988
Lime Lakes, OH, PPG Corp. [Priv. Svc. Reclaim Alk Site] (OP) 1988
Hannibal, MO [Land Application] (OP) 1988
Bowling Green, KY [Land Application] (OP) 1988
Fallbrook, CA [Verm/composting] (TD) 1988
Ohio State Univ, Wooster, OH [Composting Biotech] (Res) 1988
'Honorable Mention awards are not always given
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