?/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office Of Water
(WH-547)
December 1991
Nomination Guidance
1992 Beneficial Sewage Sludge
Use Awards Program
For Operating Projects,
Technology Development,
Research
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INVITAflON TO PARI1CIPATE
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to
announce the 1992 Beneficial Sewage Sludge Use Awards Program. This
program recognizes outstanding operating projects, research studies, and
technological advances which promote the beneficial use of municipal sewage
sludge. EPA Regional Offices and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) will
join our National Headquarters Office in helping implement this program. The
program Involves both National and Regional awards.
EPA actively promotes the beneficial use of sewage sludge. Creative and widely
applicable techniques for th. beneficial use of sewage sludge are vital to our
efforts to protect and better utilize our resources. Many municipalities,
businesses, individuals, and groups have worked for years to make signIficant
contributions to the study and practice of safer, beneficial use of municipal
sewage sludge. These awards help demonstrate the operational viabIlity of
sewage sludge management practices which beneficially use sludge in a manner
which Is environmentally safe, economically attractive, and acceptable to the
public. Winning entries will receive formal awards and, along with other worthy
nominations, will be publicly recognized In various EPA, WEF, trade, and
municipal publications. We encourage you to nominate candIdates deserving of
recognition.
The National awards will be made in September 1992 at the National WEF
Conference In New Orleans, LA. This pamphlet describes the awards program In
detail and gives guidance for preparing and submitting nominations. Please note
that you need to send your nominations to EPA’s Regional Offices by their
deadlines so that these outstanding efforts can be considered for both Regional
and National competitions.
Sincerely,
Director
Office of Water Enforcement and Compliance
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DESCRIPTION OF AWARDS PROGRAMS
Purpose
The purpose of the awards program Is to recognize the significant contributions
which have encouraged the development and Implementation of cost-effective
and environmentally safe sewage sludge beneficial use practices which recycle
nutrients, Improve soil conditions, or otherwise conserve valuable natural
resources.
Award Categories
Nominations will be accepted to recognize excellence In a wide range of activities
that have stimulated beneficial use of municipal sewage sludge. National awards
will be presented In the following categories:
o Operating Prelects flame & 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 sludge beneficial use practices, improved
public acceptance, and/or advanced the technology.
Nomination and Award Guidance
o Candidates for awards may be nominated by anyone Including the
nominee, EPA Regions, Slates, municipalities, consultants, researchers, or
other Interested parties.
o Nominated and winning entries have included both Individuals and groups
from private as well as public organizations.
o Completed nomination packages In specified format (see pages 4 & 5)
must be received in duplicate by the Regional office In which your office is
located (see pages 6 & 7).
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o Important—Please check with your Regional Office contact (page 7) for any
Region-specific nomination guidance and for that Region’s submission
deadline. The tentative Regional deadlines for receipt of nominations are
shown on page 6.
o EntrIes will be considered for Regional (whIch are being given Increased
emphasis thIs year) as well as National awards. Regions will forward one
copy of all entries to EPA Headquarters by the May 15, 1992 National
deadline.
o NominatIon packages, received for the National competition, will be
reviewed by a panel consisting of representatives from EPA, WEF, and
other groups during June 1992. EPA Regional offices will also review the
nominations for a separate competition In their Region.
o National award recipients will be notified before July 31, 1992.
o National awards will be presented in September 1992 at WEF’s National
Conference in New Orleans, LA.
o Each National award will consist of a certificate and plaque.
o An exhibit or poster session display and a short article describing each
National award winning beneficial use activity will be developed for the
WEF Conference. Subsequent publications describing those Regional as
well as National activities will be encouraged.
o We especially encourage submission of nominations in the technology
development and research categories because these activities are
important In developing new alternatives and Improvements In existing
beneficial use practices.
o Note that there are two categories for operating projects with awards for
both large and small projects.
o NomInated activities are sometimes chosen for special recognition rather
than a categorlcal award.
o 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 reappiy after a one year wait to try for first place
In the same award category. Unsuccessful nominees for awards may be
Immediately submitted again the next year. Persistence has paid off for
many nominees that have won awards after submitting an Improved
application In subsequent years.
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EVALUA11ON CRITERIA
The beneficial sewage sludge use award candidates will be evaluated against the
following criteria.
ForOperatlngProjects [ IwoCategorles (1)5MGD (2)>5MGD
o SIgnificant recycling/reuse of natural resources (e.g., nutrlent8, organic
matter, and energy).
o Sustained (several years), full-scaie, proven operation.
o ConsIstent, cost-effective operation.
o Publicly acceptable.
o Compliant with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.
o Excellence in project management.
For Technology Development Activities
o Sustained excellence In advancing our knowledge of technology (e.g.,
improved design criteria or operational practice).
o National application — technology has potential for use in many areas
across the country.
o Operationally proven.
For Research Activities
o Greater public acceptability of sludge beneficial use.
o Greatly Improves our understanding of the environmental effects
associated with beneficial use of sludge.
o Substantial contribution toward the development of improved technology
design and operation.
o Key information generated for the development of improved sludge
regulations and guidance.
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NOMINA11ON FORMAT
The information described in the Nomination Format should be supplied In the
nomination package. The completeness of information provided and 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 6 & 7).
1. IdentIfying Information (Front page)
Name, address, affiliation, telephone number, NPDES number (if
applicable), and the spokesperson for the project or activity. Please also
indicate the Congressional Representatives that you would like notified
should your entr win an award.
2. Executive Summary (2 pages or less)
Describe the project or activity indicating the award category for which the
nomination is proposed and how It meets the evaluatIon criteria.
a Facility/Activity Information (4-5 pages)
Provide the following relevant information to adequately support the
nomination.
(a) Sludge type, volume, quality, and processing Information. Be
specific regarding the unit processes, including sludge production
and processing details, sludge quality, (e.g., nutrIents and
pollutants), and other details relevant to the beneficial use practice.
(b) Cooperating parties and their contributions to the beneficial use
project or actMty.
(c) Duration and size of the project or activity, extent of ability to
operate at design level, and cost information.
(d) Compliance record with applicable local, State, and Federal
regulations.
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(e) Project monitoring program, including its use to evaluate and modify
management practices.
(f) Description of project management activities emphasizing efforts to
hold down costs and to maIntaIn and promote excellence in project
performance.
(g) Description of training activities, where applicable, leading to
improved operations, performance, and public acceptability.
(h) POTW pretreatment program and its effectiveness, if appropriate.
(I) Special innovative practices or activities.
(I) Obstacles (technlcai, political, pubilc acceptance, or other) overcome
as a result of the activity.
(k) Evidence of enhanced benefits resulting from the activity (such s
lower sludge management costs, iower energy consumption,
enhanced soli properties, better crop productivity and quality,
enhanced plant disease resistance, lower human health risks,
greater National adoption of practice, and improved public
acceptance).
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 (where appropriate).
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
back because application materials are not returned.
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TENTA11VE REGIONAL DEADUNES FOR NOMINAI1ONS
EPA
Tentative *
R
Desdilne Dstes S es
1 04-24-92 Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Rhode island, Vermont
2 04-03-92 New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
3 04-03-92 Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
4 04-24-92 Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
5 0403 -92 Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio,
Wisconsin
6 04-03-92 Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
Texas
7 04-15-92 Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
8 0415-92 Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Utah, Wyoming
9 05-0192 ArIzona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American
Samoa, Guam
10 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: (So. LIst at States In Each Region, Page 6)
Region Address Contact Telephone
1 MunIcipal Evaluation SectIon 617-565-3517
Water Division
JFK Federal Building, WCU 510
Boston , MA 03
2 Water Manegement Division John Meflo 212-264-5677
28 Federal Plans, n 831
New York, NY 10278
3 Water Management OMsion Jim Kern 215-597-3423
841 Chestnut Street (3WM2
Philadelphia, PA 19107
4 MunicIpal Facilities Branch Ben Chon 404-347-3633
Water Management Division
345 Courtland Street
Atlanta, GA 30365
5 Pernilis Section (5WQP-TUB.8) John O’Grady 312-353-1938
Water Division
230 South Dewborn Street
chicago, IL 60604
6 MunicIpal Facilities Branch Ancli Jones 214-655-7130
Water Management Division
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, 1X 78302
7 Water Program Assistance Branch Frank Miechflch 913-551-7449
Waler Management Division
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
8 Compliance Branch Bob Brobet 303-293-1627
Water Management Division
999 18th Street Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2488
9 Permits and ComplIance 415-744-1909
Water Division (W.5-2)
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
10 MunicIpal Facilities Branch Dick Hethorlngton 206-553-1841
Water Division (WD.085)
1200 Sixth Avenue
Sealtia, WA 98101
Also Tho Water Environment Federation 703-684-2400
Contact Attention : Technical Services
601 Wythe Street, AlexandrIa, VA fl314
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PREVIOUS NATiONAL BENEFICIAL SLUDGE USE AWARD WINNERS
Award/Year
Opsrating city oi Omah, NB [ Land AppI. ] 1st 1991
Profscts M1an ds, FL 14 1r D. ç Compo.lIng, MarketIng] 2nd 1991
(>1 MOD) V.1 1 . 10 San. & Flood Control 0 1St, CA (LwdAp] 1t 1990
Csps May County Nun. UIIL Auth., NJ (Cornpost!ng] 2nd 1990
Hampton Road., VA (Nabagr.en - LandAp., Camp.] I.t 1989
Clayton C.., GA (Camp, Heat Dry, Tree Prod.] tie 2nd 19*9
Plies County, AZ (Land Appilcaton] tie 2nd 1989
Sssths M.tro, WA (Forest & Ag. Land Use] 1st 198$
San. DIet .1 Los Angeles Co., CA (COmpOSSiog] 2nd 1988
Opsr i A sna, MI [ R.vegs lndusb b to SI.) lit 1991
Pro4ests Blacictoot , ID (LaridAppl., Oub’sachj 2nd 1991
( i MOD) Hannibal , MO, Bd at Pub. Works IEccn Land Ap] 1st 1990
fls od S .. Sewer Servlos 01st., CA [ C Compo .tj 2nd 1990
Technology N -Vlro VJ Ine Stabilization of Sludge], OH 1st 1990
Development WSSC Montgomery Co., MD R.glonal Compost Fac.
[ Th.m Odor Cor*o 2nd 1990
Austin, TX [ Accelerated Mr DryIng] 1st 1989
WSSC Montgomery Co. MD, Regional Compost Faa.
(Ch.n c a l Odor Control] lit 198$
Simma C.., NJ (Compost Odor & Process Conb’olJ 2nd 1988
D rs.MPage&AndrewChangi lvotCA,Blv. 1st 1991
01. Pasi Glordano, T.nn Valley Authority, AL 2nd 1991
01. Refus Chasisy, US Dspt. of Agriculturs, MD 1st 1990
01. Michael Ov.roaali , NC Stat. tWvsrelty 2nd 1990
Univ. at MN, USDA Research Tears 1.1 1989
WI 24/Wi 70 flsglon . 1 Research Comm., USDA, CSRS 1st 1988
Allentowa, PA/Penn Silts UnIv, Pelmeulon Asvsg. 2nd 198$
Special Nutr.Umn, SI. Paul, UN [ Incln. Ash + Water
Recognition Tm Win.nt Sludge for Land lmpmvwnenhl 1991
Metro. Waist Rsclam. Dist of Greater Chicago
(Long Term Multiple Co,*b. to Beneficial Use] 1991
BloOro Ins., MD (Sus d Service &
Enlw ed Pul* Acc.p cej 1990
City .1 Los Angels., CA & Ag Tech Co., AZ (P&tiJc-
Pthte Team from Ocean Disp.b Ben Use]
Eact lay Municipal UtIlities 01st., CA (&ssWned
Contrbution to Beneficial Use & Compost In] 1989
Madleon , WI, M.Iro-Gro [ Land Use] 1988
Urns Lakes, OH, PPG Corp (Piw. S v. Reclaim Alk SIt.] 1988
HannIba’ MO [ Land ApplicatIon] 1988
Bowling Green, KY [ Land Application] 1988
Falibrook, CA (Vemilcompostlng] 1918
Ohio Stats UnIv , Wooster, OH (Compoatlng Blotech.j 1988
1st and 2nd place awards are nat always given
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