BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
FOR
SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE POTWs
U.S. EPA Regions VIII & X
August 5, 1993
Grand Junction, CO
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BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZE POTWs
U.S. EPA REGIONS VIII AND X
August 5, 1993
Grand Junction, CO
Prepared for:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region VIII
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202
and
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Regi0n X %'u/(9>&*Q/Oa
1200 6th Avenue %
Seattle, WA 98101 ' Cx
<%b
%/°0 C
%
Prepared by:
Science Applications International Corporation;
999 18th Street, Suite 855
Denver, CO 80202
EPA Contract No. 68-C8-0066, Work Assignment No. C-4-17. (P)
SAIC Project Nos. 1-0834-03-4006-083 and 1-0834-03-4006-100
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This project has been funded, at least in part, with Federal funds from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance under
Contract No. 68-C8-0066, WA No. C-4-17 (P). The mention of trade names, commercial products,
or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
This document was developed and reproduced using recycled paper.
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BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1. 40 CFR PART 503 SUMMARY
SECTION 2. REFERENCE SHEETS
2.1 Ground Water Monitoring (RS/793/01/1)
2.2 Biosolids Analysis Methods (RS/793/02/1)
2.3 Sludge Management Plan (RS/793/03/1)
2.4 Public Relations (RS/793/04/1)
2.5 Micro-Nutrients vs. Toxic Metals (RS/793/05/1)
2.6 Pathogen and Vector Attraction Reduction Methods (RS/793/06/1)
2.7 CERCLA Liability (RS/793/07/1)
2.8 Toxicity, Biosolids, and the TCLP Test (RS/793/08/1)
2.9 Conservation Tillage and Wind Erosion Techniques (RS/793/09/1)
2.10 Set Backs and Buffers for Land Application (RS/793/10/1)
2.11 Metals Availability vs. pH and How Your Sludge Compares to the National
Average (RS/793/11/1)
2.12 Part 258—Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (RS/793/12/1)
2.13 Sludge Sampling Guidance for POTWs (RS/793/13/1)
2.14 All Kinds of Environmental Help (RS/793/14/1)
2.15 Additional Reference Sheet (RS/793/15/1)
3.1 Pollutant Limits (FS/793/01/1)
3.2 Percent Total Solids (FS/793/02/1)
3.3 Dry Weight Basis (FS/793/03/1)
3.4 Annual Whole Sludge Application Rate (AWSAR) (FS/793/04/1)
3.5 Agronomic Rate for (N) (FS/793/05/1)
3.6 Annual Pollutant Loading Rate (APLR) (FS/793/06/1)
3.7 Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate (CPLR) (FS/793/07/1)
3.8 Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) (FS/793/08/1)
3.9 Density of Microorganisms (FS/793/09/1)
3.10 Annual Application Rate for Domestic Septage (FS/793/10/1)
3.11 Volatile Solids Reduction (VSR) (FS/793/11/1)
4.1 List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X
4.2 Estimated Price Ranges for Selected Analyses Region VIII and X
4.3 Sludge Sample Analysis Request Form
4.4 Questions To Be Asked When Choosing a Laboratory
SECTION 3. FACT SHEETS
SECTION 4 LABORATORY EVALUATION
APPENDIX A-BLANK CALCULATION SHEETS
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BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permit Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathertngton
INTRODUCTION
This handbook, prepared by EPA Regions VIII and X, is intended to
provide guidance to small to medium size POTWs subject to the new
Federal regulation, 40 CFR Part 503—Standards For The Use And
Disposal Of Sewage Sludge. 40 CFR Part 503 establishes standards and
operating practices for three different use/disposal options (land
application, surface disposal, and'incineration) and pathogen and vector
attraction reduction techniques for sewage sludge. The majority of the
handbook relates to the requirements associated with land application,
because this is the most commonly used option and the most complex.
The handbook was developed to provide POTWs with a guidance
document that would be helpful in determining and maintaining
compliance with Part 503. This handbook presents the requirements of
Part 503 in informal and understandable language. The amount of
material has necessarily been limited. Although 40 CFR Part 503 has
been promulgated and is now law, some information needed to
determine compliance with the new regulation is still under
development. EPA Regions VIII and X intend to modify, expand, or
delete information contained within this handbook as additional
information becomes available during the first stages of implementation.
Entirely new reference and fact sheets may be developed and included at
a later date. Therefore, your written comments regarding the handbook
are welcomed and will be considered in the development of any
modifications.
The handbook has been organized as follows:
• Section 1 presents an easy-to-read summary of the complete
regulation, highlighting key areas.
• Section 2 presents reference sheets that provide information on a
range of tasks and topics associated with land application of
biosolids.
• Section 3 provides fact sheets that present calculations and
conversions needed when determining compliance with 40 CFR
Part 503. Note that the fact sheets are not intended to replace
the required analytical method; they merely provide some of the
mathematical calculations associated with the approved method.
• Section 4 provides information on selecting a contract
laboratory. Please note that EPA does not endorse any of the
laboratories listed, nor should the estimated price ranges be
considered absolute. This information is subject to change
depending on the contract laboratory.
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BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
EPA REGION V III—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue. Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngion
SECTION 1. Anyone who has ever attempted to read a Federal regulation published
40 CFR PART 503 in the Federal Register, and then understand what the regulation means,
SUMMARY knows just how difficult that can be. EPA is aware of the difficulty
associated with reading and understanding a promulgated regulation,
especially a new regulation. Therefore, an "easy-to-read" summary of
40 CFR Part 503 has been developed by EPA and has been included in
this handbook for your use.
All of the information and requirements found in 40 CFR Part 503 are
included in the provided summary. However, special attention should
be paid to the Land Application and Surface Disposal sections and to the
corresponding Pathogen and Vector Attraction Reduction requirements,
since these practices are the most commonly used in EPA Regions VIII
and X. The summary is presented on the following pages.
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RBastian25Feb93
Revised8Mar93
¦tnon&T of 40 cm pibt sos
mnuoi rat tee usi as disposal aw snaas sludoz
Ths U.S. Evrironasntal Protection Agency has been in the procaaa
of developing comprehensive federal sewage sludge, (biosolids) usa
and disposal ragulations for aany yaars. The proposed regulation
was published for public comsent on February 6, 1989, and in
final font in the Federal Register on February 19, 1993.
The regulation is. organized into the following subparts: general
provisions; land- application; surface disposal; pathogens and
vector attraction reduction; and incineration.
Subparts addressing atandards for land application, surface
disposal and incineration practices consist of sections covering:
applicability and special definitions; general requirements;
pollutant limits; operational requirements; management practices;
monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements.
The following summary of the 40 CFR Part 503 regulation is based
on the final regulation approved November 25, 1992, by the U.S.
EPA. It is a simplified summary of the regulation and does not
contain all details, requirements, or exceptions.
GEHZKJLL PROVISIONS AND ZXPLZXSBTXTZOH FLANS
The Part 503 rule applies to sewage sludge generated from the
treatment of domestic sewage and includes domestic septage.
Sewage sludge and other wastewater solids disposed of in
municipal solid waste landfills for bulk disposal or used as
landfill cover material is regulated by the 40 CFR Part 258 solid
waste landfill regulation, which was co-promulgated under the
Clean Water Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Compliance with the Part 503 standards is required within 12
months of publication of the regulation. However, if new
pollution control facilities need to be constructed to achieve
compliance, r^en compliance is required within 2 years of
publication. Compliance with monitoring, record keeping and
reporting requirements are required within 150 days of
publication of the rule in the Federal Register. For the most
part, the rule is written to be "self implementing," which means
that citizen suits or EPA can enforce the regulation even before
permits are issued.
The standards will be incorporated into National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued by EPA or
permits issued by states with approved sewage sludge management
programs in accordance with 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 501
(promulgated in May 1989, and revised in February 1993). EPA
will work closely with the states to encourage their adoption of
sewage sludge management programs that can be approved to carry
out delegated programs and avoid the need for EPA to issue
seoarata sennits.
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Under the revised 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 501 permit
regulations, also published in the Federal Register on February
19, 1993, all treatment works treating domestic sewage (TWTDS),
including non-dischargers and sludge-only facilities, must apply
for a permit.. The definition of MTWTDSN includes facilities that
generate, process or otherwise control the quality of sewage
sludge or the manner in which it is used/disposed. However,
commercial handlers that only distribute or land apply the sewage
sludge without changing its quality are not automatically
considered TWTDS and are not required to submit permit
applications unless specifically requested to do so by the
permitting' authority - EPA or an approved state. TWTDS do
include owners or operators of disposal facilities such as sewage
^sludge incinerators, monofills and other surface disposal sites.
While the definition of TWTDS does not extend automatically to
land where sewage sludge is beneficially used, such as farm land
and home gardens, under unusual situations even these areas could
be designated as TWTDS by the permitting authority on a case-by-
base basis when necessary to protect public health and the
environment. The permitting authority has the flexibility to
cover both the generator and the treatment, use/disposal facility
in one permit or separate permits (including covering one or both
under general permits).
Due to the large number of potential permit applications that
will be submitted under this program, EPA plans to initially
focus on TWTDS required to have, or requesting, site-specific
pollutant limits under Part 503. As a result:
• Existing TWTDS required to have, or requesting, site-
specific pollutant limits under Part 503 (i.e., sewage
sludge incinerators and certain surface disposal facilities)
must apply for their permit within 180 days after
publication of the Part 503 rule. In the future, proposed
new facilities in this category must apply for a permit
180 days prior to beginning operation.
• Sludge-only TWTDS that do not have NPDES permits (and not
required to have or requiring site-specific limits) must
submit limited data within one year after publication of the
Part 503 rule.
• Other TWTDS must submit permit applications in accordance
with NPDES permit renewal procedures - at least 180 days
before their NPDES permit is due to expire.
The permitting authority may request that permit applications be
submitted earlier than the times noted above, with permit
applications being due 180 days after such a request.
Annual reporting is required of all Class I sewage sludge
management facilities (i.e., the -1,600 pretreatment POTWs and
-400 other "designated" TWTDS) and other "major" POTWs - those
with a design flow >1MGD or serving a population of >10,000
people.
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LAND APPLICATION
Land application includes all forms of applying bulk or bagged
sewage sludge to land for beneficial uses at agronomic rates
(rates designed to provide the amount of nitrogen needed by the
crop or vegetation grown on the land while minimizing the amount
that passes below the root zone). These include application to:
agricultural land such as fields used for the production of food,
feed and fiber crops, pasture and range land; non-agricultural
land such as forests; public contact sites such as parks and golf
courses; disturbed lands such as mine spoils, construction sites
and gravel pits; and home lawns and gardens. The sale or give
away of sewage sludge products (such as composted or heat dried
products) is addressed under land application, as is land
application of domestic septage.
General Requirements
The rule applies to the person who prepares sewage sludge for
land application or applies sewage sludge to the land. These
parties must obtain and provide the necessary information needed
to comply with the rule. For example, the person who prepares
bulk sewage sludge that are land applied must provide the person
who applies it to land all information necessary to comply with
the rule, including the total nitrogen concentration of the
sewage sludge.
The regulation establishes two levels of sewage sludge quality
with respect to heavy metal concentrations - pollutant Ceiling
Concentrations and Pollutant Concentrations ("high quality"
sewage sludge); and two levels of quality with respect to
pathogen densities - Class A and Class B; and two types of
approaches for meeting vector attraction reduction - sewage
sludge processing or the use of physical barriers. Under the
Part 503 regulation, fewer restrictions sure imposed on the use of
higher quality sewage sludge.
To qualify for land application, sewage sludge or material
derived from sewage sludge must meet at least the pollutant
Ceiling Concentrations, Class B requirements for pathogens and
vector attraction reduction requirements. Cumulative Pollutant
Loading Rates are imposed on sewage sludge that meet the
pollutant Ceiling Concentrations but not the Pollutant
Concentrations. A number of general requirements and management
practices apply to sewage sludge that are land applied with the
exception of "Exceptional Quality" sewage sludge.or derived
material which meet three quality requirements - the Pollutant
Concentration limits, Class A pathogen requirements, and vector
attraction reduction sewage sludge processing. However, in all
cases the minimum frequency of monitoring, recordkeeping, and
reporting requirements must be met.
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Pollutant Liaits
Pollutant: liaits for land application are listed in the following
table:
Land Application Pollutant Liaits
(all weights are on dry weight basis)
Table in
503 Rule
Table /I
Table #2
Table #3
• Table #4
Pollutant
Ceiling
Concentration
Liaits* |
(mg/kg)
Cumulative
Pollutant
Loading
Rates |
(kg/ha)
"High Quality"
Pollutant
Concentration
Limits'" |
(mg/kg)
Annual
Pollutant
Loading
Rates ||
(kg/ha/yr) |
Arsenic
75
41
41
2.0
Cadmium
85
39
39
1.9
Chromium
3,000
3,000
1,200
150
Copper
4,300
1,500
1,500
75
Lead
840
300
300
15
Mercury
57
17
17
0.85
Molybdenumj 75
18
18
0.90 i
Nickel
420
420
420
21 !
!Selenium
i
100
100
36
5.0
Zinc
7 , 500
2,800
2,800
140 |
absolute values " monthly averages
To be land applied, bulk sewage sludge must meet the pollutant
Ceiling Concentrations and Cumulative Pollutant Loading o£
Pollutant Concentration limits. Bulk sewage sludge applied to
lawns and home gardens must meet the Pollutant Concentration
limits. Sewage sludge sold or given away in bags must meet the
Pollutant Concentration limits o£ annual sewage sludge product
application rates that are based on the Annual Pollutant Loading
Rates.
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Pathogen and Vector Attraction Raduetion
Sewage sludge is classified into two categories, Class A and
Class B, based upon the pathogen reduction criteria described
later in this article. Restrictions placed on end uses of sewage
sludge are impacted by the pathogen reduction classification of
the sewage sludge. Bulk sewage sludge applied to agricultural
and non-agricultural land (e.g., forest, public contact sites,
and reclamation sites) must meet at least Class B requirements.
Bulk sewage sludge applied to lawns and home gardens, and sewage
sludge sold or given away in bags or other containers must meet
the Class A criteria and one of the vector attraction reduction
sewage sludge processing options. One of the ten vector
attraction reduction options described later in this article also
must be met when bulk sewage sludge is applied to the land.
Management Practices
The following management practices apply to land applied sewage
sludge (other than "Exceptional Quality" sewage sludge products):
1) Bulk sewage sludge shall not be applied to flooded,
frozen or snow-covered ground so that the sewage sludge
enter wetlands or other waters of the U.S. unless authorized
by the permitting authority.
2) Bulk sewage sludge shall not be applied at rates above
agronomic rates, with the exception of reclamation projects
when authorized by the permitting authority.
3) Bulk sewage sludge shall not be applied if likely to
adversely affect a threatened or endangered species.
4) Bulk sewage sludge shall not be applied less than 10
meters from waters of the U.S., unless authorized by the
permitting authority.
5) Sewage sludge sold or given away shall have either a
label affixed to the bag or other container, or an
information sheet shall be provided to the person who
receives the sewage sludge for application to the land that
provides information on proper use, including the annual
whole sludge application rate that does not cause any of the
annual pollutant loading rates to be exceeded.
Furthermore, when sewage sludge that meets Class B pathogen
reduction requirements, but not Class A, is applied to the land,
the following site restrictions have to be met:
1) Food crops with harvested parts that touch the sewage
sludge/soil mixture (such as melons, cucumbers, squash,
etc.) shall not be harvested for 14 months after application.
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2) Food crops with harvested parts below the soil surface
(root crops such as potatoes, carrots, radishes) shall not
be harvested for 20 months after application if the sewage
sludge is not incorporated for at least 4 months.
3) Food: crops with harvested parts below the soil surface
(root corps such as potatoes, carrots, radishes) shall not
be harvested for 38 months after application if the sewage
sludge is incorporated in less than 4 months.
4) Food crops, feed crops, and fiber crops shall not be
harvested for 30 davs after sewage sludge application.
5) Animals shall not be grazed on a site for 30 dave after
sewage sludge application.
6) Turf shall not be harvested for 1 year after sewage
sludge application if the turf is placed on land with a high
potential for public exposure or a lawn, unless otherwise
specified by the permitting authority.
7) Public access to land with high potential for public
exposure shall be restricted for l year after sewage sludge
application.
8) Public access to land with a low potential for public,
exposure shall be restricted for 30 davs after sewage sludge
application.
Monitoring
Monitoring for pollutants, pathogen densities and vector
attraction reduction requirements shall be at a minimum frequency
based on annual sewage sludge amounts used or disposed as listed
in the following table:
Monitoring Frequency
Sewage Sludge Amounts j Monitoring Frequency
(dry metric tons'per year) |
>0 to <290
Once per year |
290 to <1,500
Once per quarter
1,500 to <15,000
Once per 60 days
>15,000
once per month |
"Note: 1.0 metric ton » l.l English tons
The permitting authority may impose more frequent monitoring
requirements on permittees. In addition, After two years of
monitoring at these frequencies, the permitting authority may
allow the monitoring frequencies to be reduced to no less than
once per year.
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Recordkeeping
The recordkeeping requirements vary with the end use of the
sewage sludge or sewage sludge derived material. Except as
noted, records must be kept for five years. Each requirement is
summarized below.
If the sewage sludge or resulting product meet the Pollutant
Concentration limits, the Class A pathogen requirements, and one
of the first 8 vector attraction reduction (process)
requirements, the person preparing the "Exceptional Quality"
sewage sludge must certify through periodic sampling that the
material meets these criteria and keep records describing the
methods used to meet the Class A pathogen reduction and vector
attraction reduction requirements.
If the sewage sludge is to be applied to agricultural land,
forest, public contact sites or reclamation sites and injection
or surface application followed by incorporation are intended to
be the method to meet the vector attraction reduction
requirements, the person preparing the sewage sludge and the
person applying the sewage sludge must certify that vector
attraction has been performed in accordance with the rule. The
person applying the sewage sludge must also describe how each of
the applicable management practices have been met for each site
on which sewage sludge has been applied.
If a sewage sludge meets the Class B pathogen reduction
requirements and the Pollutant Concentration limits, the person
preparing the sewage sludge and the person applying the sewage
sludge must certify that the material meets these criteria. The
person applying the sewage sludge must also certify that in
addition to the management practices, the site restrictions have
also been met.
If a sewage sludge does not meet the Pollutant Concentration
limits, but does meet the pollutant Ceiling Concentrations, the
person preparing the sewage sludge must certify that the pathogen
reduction and vector attraction reduction requirements have been
met. In addition to the management practices and the site
restrictions, the person applying the sewage sludge must keep a
record of the cumulative amount of each pollutant applied to each
site. The Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rates shall not be
exceeded on each site. In addition, information on the location
of each application site, its size, the date and time of the
sewage sludge application shall be recorded and kept
indefinitely.
If a sewage sludge meets the Class A requirements and the Ceiling
Concentrations, but not the Pollutant Concentration limits, and
is to be sold or given away in a bag or other container, the
person who prepares the sewage sludge shall determine and record
the annual whole sludge application rate that does not cause the
material to exceed the Annual Pollutant Loading Rates (Table 4
values). The concentration of each pollutant listed in Table 4
shall also be recorded. Furthermore, the preparer shall keep a
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record describing how the Class A pathogen reduction and vector
attraction reduction requirements have been met.
Reporting
The information contained in the required records shall be
submitted to the permitting authority annually for all Class I
sludge management facilities and POTWs with a design flow rate
>1 MGO or a service population of >10,000 people. In addition,
for sites where recordkeeping is required, the same group of
facilities shall report annually when any cumulative metal
loading reaches 90% of the allowed Cumulative Pollutant Loading
Rates (Table 2 values).
Distributed and Marketed Products
The regulation of products that are distributed and marketed are
addressed as a part of land application rather than as a separate
practice under Part 503. As outlined above, the sale or give
away of sewage sludge in bulk, bags or other containers is
regulated under land application in the final Part 503 rule.
Bulk sewage sludge is frequently applied to farmland, forest and
reclamation sites in liquid or dewatered cake forms at little or
no cost to the land owner. At a minimum these materials must
meet the pollutant Ceiling Concentrations, Class B pathogen
reduction and vector attraction reduction criteria, and can be
applied using the Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rates if they do
not meet the Pollutant Concentration limits.
On the other hand, sewage sludge or material derived from sewage
sludge that is considered suitable for distribution and marketing
(D&M) for uses on lawns and home gardens, either in bulk or
container form, must meet the Class A pathogen reduction
requirements, a vector attraction reduction processing option,
and the Pollutant Concentration limits (with the exception that
sewage sludge which meets the pollutant Ceiling Concentrations,
but not the Pollutant Concentration limits, can be sold in bags
or other containers for use at sludge application rates
prescribed on a label that are based on not exceeding the Annual
Pollutant Loading Rates). The Class A pathogen reduction
requirements must be met at the time the bulk or containerized
products are "sold or given away."
If sewage sludges are of "Exceptional Quality" - meet the
Pollutant Concentration limits, Class A pathogen reduction
requirements and a vector attraction reduction processing option
- they are usually exempt to the general requirements and
management practices applicable to land application practices.
Composted D&M Products
Composting can achieve compliance with Class A pathogen reduction
requirements by operating under the PFRP conditions (included as
Appendix B of Part 503, but originally issued under the Part 257
regulations) and monitoring for regrowth:
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• With Invesael Composting or Static Aerated Pile systems,
the temperature of the sewage sludge is maintained at 55°c
or higher for 3 days.
• With Windrow Composting, the temperature of the sewage
sludge is maintained at 55°C or higher for IS days or
longer, during which the windrow will be turned a minimum of
5 times.
Other operating conditions may be able to meet Class A pathogen
reduction requirements based on meeting temperature or pathogen
testing requirements. Careful monitoring of process operations -
will be necessary to ensure that pathogen reduction requirements
are achieved. For vector attraction reduction only, composting
must achieve temperatures of greater than 40°C for 14 days and
achieve an average temperature during that period of 45°C. These
are well within the typical composting facility operating
parameters and should be achievable by properly designed and
operated facilities.
Heat Dried D&M Products
There are few aspects of the new rule that will cause changes to
established heat dried sewage sludge D&M programs. The
temperatures used in sewage sludge drying systems which aim at
producing a marketable product are typically in excess of 50°C,
and retention times in the dryer are 30 minutes or longer. Using
the equations provided and a nominal processing temperature of
30°C (the PFRP definition for sewage sludge drying), the product
residence-time in the dryer required to meet the Class A pathogen
reduction is in the order of magnitude of seven seconds, while
the rule requires a minimum residence time in the dryer of 15
seconds. Vector attraction reduction will similarly be easily
met by dryers which produce a product for marketing. The degree
of dryness required is >75% solids if the product does not
contain unstabilized primary sewage sludge, and >90% solids if
the product does contain unstabilized primary sewage sludge. The
marketplace is typically looking for products of >90% solids so
that the sewage sludge product is compatible with other bulk dry
fertilizer products.
Alkaline Stabilized D&M Products
Certain alkaline stabilization practices comply with the Class A
pathogen reduction requirements which include a combination of
elevating pH to above 12 for 72 hours and temperature to above
52°C for 12 hours or longer during the period "ttiat pH is above
12, along with air drying to >50% solids. Other alkaline
stabilization approaches may qualify for Class A stabilization
based on meeting the elevated temperature criteria alone or PFRP
equivalency.
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SURFACE DISPOSAL
Types of Disposal Operations
The Surface Disposal subpart of the regulation applies to the
following types of sewage sludge and domestic septage disposal
operations:
Monofllls (sewage sludge-onlv landfills) .... This could be
a trench system, area-fill system, or similar bulk disposal
operation, usually involving a cover material over the
deposited sewage sludge.
Dedicated disposal surface application sites At some
sites, sewage sludge pollutants are applied at higher than
Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rates (Table 2 values) for
disposal purposes even though there also may be beneficial
use aspects. Potential pollutant leaching to groundwater or
excessive plant uptake levels are controlled in a site-
specific manner. Such sites are usually owned or leased by
the wastewater authority and are highly controlled for
access and operations.
Piles or mounds .... At many treatment plants, sewage
sludges have been placed in piles or otherwise mounded on a
portion of the property as final disposal.
Impoundments or lagoons .... At many treatment plants sewage
sludge or domestic septage has been discharged to lagoons or
impoundments as final disposal, with the excess liquid
evaporated or recycled for treatment.
This subpart deals with surface disposal sites and sewage sludge
placed on such sites for final disposal. Surface Disposal does
not include sewage sludge placement for storage or treatment
purposes.
EPA does not intend to regulate under Part 503 wastewater
treatment lagoons in which sewage sludge collect during treatment
or lagoons in which sewage sludge is being treated. However,
when such sewage sludges are removed from wastewater treatment
lagoons or sewage sludge treatment lagoons, their use or disposal
will be regulated under Part 503, if applicable.
There are many sewage sludge lagoons or places where sewage
sludges have been piled that no longer are receiving sewage
sludge (i.e., they are no longer "active" units). These would
probably not be regulated under Part 503, especially if they have
been "closed" in a proper manner. However, If these sites or
operations are still active in 1993, the date they become
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inactive could be critical in determining whether they are
regulated under Part 503. If sites that were inactive have
sewage sludge removed from them in the future, the use or
disposal of the sewage sludge at that time could fall within the
jurisdiction of Part 503, depending on legal interpretation. Of
course if previously closed sites become active again and receive
sewage sludge after the Part 503 requirements became effective,
such facilities would be subject to Part 503.
Storage xi Disposal
The Part 503 regulation allows sewage sludge to be stored for up
to two years without any restrictions or control. However, if
sewage sludges are stored beyond 2 years, EPA may consider this
"disposal" and regulate it as a surface disposal site. If the
wastewater authority can provide an adequate explanation
concerning why the material is being stored for longer than 2
years, EPA will not regulate these operations as surface disposal
sites. A common example would be a sewage sludge lagoon that has
a 4 or 5 year cycle time between sludge cleanout operations. In
this example, the lagoon may be considered "storage," not
"disposal."
General Requirements
There are a few general requirements that apply to surface
disposal. These include the need for closure and post-closure
plans at least 180 days prior to closing any surface disposal
site. Also, site owners are required to provide written
notification, to the subsequent owner that sewage sludge was
placed on the land.
Pollutant Limits
Where surface disposal sites use liners and leachate collection
systems, there are no pollutant concentration limits because
pollutants leaching from the solids mass will be collected in the
leachate and treated as necessary to avoid a pollution problem.
For the site liner to qualify, it must have a hydraulic
conductivity of <1 x 10'7 centinarers per second.
For surface disposal sites with no liner and leachate collection
system, limits on 3 pollutants are established in the rule.
While these vary based on the distance of the active disposal
unity boundary from the site property line, the most extreme
values allowed are listed in the following table:
1-12
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Maxima Allowable Pollutant Concentrations 1b Savage sludge
(mg/kg dry weight)
Pollutant
If active disposal unit
boundary is >150m from
the surface disposal
site property line
If active disposal unit
boundary is 0 to <25m
from the surface disposal
site property line
Arsenic
73
30
Chromium
600
200
Nickel
420
210
The three pollutants listed above present the greatest threat of
leaching to groundwater and causing exceedences of the Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL) for that pollutant. The allowable
concentrations of the 3 pollutants are reduced if the active
disposal units are less than 150m from the site property line.
The table shows the worst case limits if the site is located from
0 to <25m from the disposal site property line. Different limits
for these 3 pollutants can be developed through a site-specific
assessment, as specified by the permitting authority, that shows
the site has different parameters than the ones EPA used in
establishing the maximum allowable concentration limits.
Nitrate Contamination
As a management practice, the rule requires that surface disposal
operations not cause the groundwater MCL for nitrate to be
exceeded or to cause the existing concentration to be exceeded if
it already exceeds the MCL. Either results of groundwater
monitoring or a statement from a qualified groundwater scientist
must be used to demonstrate compliance.
Other Management Practices
There are several other management practices that must be met for
surface disposal including but not limited to the following:
• Active disposal sites shall not be located within 60m of a
Holocene-period fault or in a wetland unless authorized by
the permitting authority.
• Surface runoff from a 24-hr, 25-yr storm even shall be
controlled according to an NPDES permit.
1-13
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• Active disposal sites shall not restrict flow of a base
flood, adversely affect threatened or endangered species, or
be located in a structurally unstable area.
• If cover is placed on active units, methane gas
concentrations must be monitored in all site structures and
at the property line at the surface disposal site to avoid
explosive conditions; if final cover is placed on the site,
this monitoring continues for 3 years after site closure.
• crops shall not be grown, nor animals grazed, on such
sites unless the permitting authority specifically
authorizes this based on site specific management practices
to be implemented.
• Public access is restricted during operations and for
3 years following site closure.
Pathogen and Vector Attraction Requirements
Surface disposal of sewage sludge requires one of the Class A or
Class B pathogen control alternatives unless the sewage sludge is
covered with soil or other material daily. One of the first ll
vector attraction reduction options is also required for surface
disposal. While there are no specific pathogen reduction
requirements for domestic septage disposed of in surface disposal
units, it must be incorporated or injected into the soil, covered
with material daily, or treated with alkaline materials z.o raise
the pH to 12 or higher for at least 30 minutes to meet veer or
attraction requirements.
Monitoring, Recordkeeping and Reporting
Monitoring for the 3 pollutant concentrations, pathogen densities
and vector attraction reduction is required on the same minimum
frequency based on annual sewage sludge amounts involved as
required for land application and incineration. Methane gas
monitoring of air in any on-site structures and at the property
site boundary is required continuously if the surface disposal
site contains an active disposal unit which is covered and for
3 years after a disposal unit that is covered..is closed.
Records must be kept for at least 5 years. Certification
statements are required by the person who prepares the sewage
sludge for disposal and/or by the site owner/operator. The
statements certify that the various management practices have
been met and that- the monitoring data have been collected
properly. Data, information, and certification need to be
submitted annually to the permitting authority for all Class I
sludge management facilities and POTWs with a design flow rate
>lMGD or that serve >10,000 population.
1-14
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PATHOGENS AND VECTOR ATTRACTION REDUCTION
The pathogen reduction requirements are operational standards for
two classes of pathogen reduction: Class A and Class B. All
sewage sludges that are to be sold or given away in a bag or
other container, or applied to lawns or hone gardens must meet
Class A pathogen requirements. All sewage sludge intended for
land application must meet at least the Class B pathogen
requirements. The specific requirements for the two classes of
pathogen reduction and the rationale for these requirements are
noted in the following paragraphs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ACHIEVING CLASS "A** PATHOGEN REQUIREMENTS
Class A sewage sludge must meet one of the following criteria:
1) A Fecal coliform density less than 1,000 Most Probable
Number (MPN) per gram of total dry solids (1,000 MPN/g TS)
OR
2) A Salmonella sp. density less than 3 Most Probably Number
(MPN) per 4 grams of total dry solids (3 MPN/4g TS) .
In Addition: The requirements of one of the following
alternatives must be met:
1) Tine/Temperature - An increased sewage sludge temperature
should be maintained for a prescribed period of time
according to the following guidelines:
Time and Temperature Guidelines
Total
Solids
Temp.
(t)
Time
(D)
Equation
Notes
>7%
>50°C
>20 min.
131.700, 000
io0141
No heating of small
particles bv warmed
gases or immiscible
liquid.
>7%
>50°C
>15 sec.
131.700.000
l0o.u.
Small particles
heated by warned
gases or immiscible!
liquid j
<7%
>50°C*
>15 sec.
to
<30 min.
131.700.000
1Q0.MI
!
j
<7%
>50°C
>3 0 min.
50.070.000
1Q0.14,
!
i
— i-VI
in no case would temperatures calculated using the
appropriate equation be less than 50°C
1-15
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- OR -
2) Alkaline Treatment - The pH of the sewage sludge is
raised to greater than 12 for at least 72 hours. During
this time, the temperature of the sewage sludge should be
greater than 52°C for at least 12 hours. In addition, after
the 72 hour period, the sewage sludge is to be air dried to
at least 50% total solids.
- os -
3) Prior Testing for Enteric Virus/Viable Helminth Ova - The
sewage sludge is analyzed for the presence of enteric
viruses (Plaque-forming units) and viable helminth ova. If
the sewage sludge are analyzed before the pathogen reduction
process and found to have densities of enteric virus <1
pfu/4 g TS and viable helminth ova <1/4 g TS, the sewage
sludge is Class A with respect to enteric virus and viable
helminth ova until the next monitoring episode. If the
sewage sludge is analyzed before the pathogen reduction
process and found to have densities of enteric virus >1
pfu/4 g TS or viable helminth ova >1/4 g TS, and tested
again after processing and found to meet the enteric virus
and viable helminth ova levels listed under 4) below, then
the processed sewage sludge will be Class A with respect to
enteric viruses and viable helminth ova when the operating
parameters for the pathogen reduction process are monitored
and shown to be consistent with the values or ranges of
values documented:
4) No Prior Testing for Enteric virus/Viable Helminth Ova -
If the sewage sludge is not analyzed before pathogen
reduction processing for enteric viruses and viable helminth
ova, the sewage sludge must meet the enteric virus and
viable helminth ova levels noted below to be Class A at the
time the sewage sludge is used or disposed, prepared for
sale or given away in a bag or container, or when the sewage
sludge or derived material meets "exceptional quality"
requirements - Pollutant Concentration limits, Class A
pathogen reduction and vector attraction reduction
requirements:
- The density of enteric viruses must be less than 1
Plaque-forming unit per 4 grams of total dry solids
(1 PFU/4 g TS).
- The density of viable helminth ova must be less than
1 per 4. grams of total dry solids (l/4g TS) .
- OR -
5/6) The sewage sludge is treated by a P7RP or a PFRP
equivalent process.
1-16
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REQUIREMENTS 70R ACHIEVING CLASS "B" PATHOGEN REQUIREMENTS
Savage sludge that does not qualify as Class B cannot be land
applied. Class B, sewage sludge must meet one of the following
pathogen requirements:
1) The sewage sludge must be treated by a PSRP or PSRP
equivalent process.
OR
2) At least seven sewage sludge samples should be collected
at the time of use or disposal and analyzed for Fecal
collforms during each monitoring period. The geometric mean
of the densities of these samples will be calculated and
should meet the following criteria:
Less than 2,000,000 Most Probably Number per gram of
total dry solids (2,000,000 MPN/g TS).
OR
- Less than 2,000,000 Colony Forming Units per gram of
total dry solids (2,000,000 CFU/g TS).
In addition, for any land applied sewage sludge that meets Class
B pathogen reduction requirements, but not Class A, the site
restrictions described earlier must be met.
PATHOGEN TREATMENT PROCESSES
Processes to Significantly Reduce Pathogens (P8RP)
1) Aerobic Digestion - Sewage sludge is agitated with air or
oxygen to maintain aerobic conditions for a mean cell
residence time and temperature between 40 days at 2 0°C
and 60 days at 15'C.
2) Air Drvina - Sewage sludge is dried on sand beds or on paved
or unpaved basins for a minimum of three months. During
two of the three months, the ambient average daily
temperature is above 0°C.
3) Anaerobic Digestion - Sewage sludge is treated in the
absence of air for a mean cell residence time and
temps, between 15 days at 3 5 to 55°C and 60 days at 20°C.
4) Composting - Using either the within-vessel, static aerated
pile, or windrow composting methods, the temperature of the
sewage sludge is raised to 40°C or higher for five days.
For four hours during the five days, the temperature in the
compost pile exceeds 55°C.
5) Lime Stabilization - Sufficient lime is added to the
sewage sludge to raise the pH of the sewage sludge to 12
after 2 hours of contact.
1-17
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PATHOGEH TKZ&ZXZHT PROCZS8E8
Processes to Further Reduce Pathogens (P7RP)
1) Comporting - Using either vithin-vessel or static aerated
pile composting, the temperature of the sewage sludge is
maintained at 55°C or higher for three days. Using windrow
composting, the temperature of the sewage sludge is
maintained at S5°C or higher for 15 days or longer. During
this period, a minimum of five windrow turnings are
required.
2) Heat Drying - Sewage sludge is dried by direct or indirect
contact with hot gases to reduce the moisture content of
the sewage sludge to 10% or lower. Either the temperature
of the gas in contact with the sewage sludge exceeds 80°C
or the wet bulb temperature of the gas in contact with the
sewage sludge as the sewage sludge leaves the dryer exceeds
80°C.
3) Heat Treatment - Liquid sewage sludge is heated to a
temperature of 180°C or higher for 30 minutes.
4) Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion - Liquid dewatered sewage
sludge is agitated with air or oxygen to maintain aerobic
conditions and the mean cell residence time for the
sewage sludge is 10 days at 55 to 60°C.
5) Beta Rav Irradiation - Sewage sludge is irradiated with beta
rays from an accelerator at dosages of at least 1.0 megarad
at room temperature (ca. 20°C) .
6) Gamma Rav Irradiation - Sewage sludge is irradiated with
gamma rays from certain isotopes such as MCo and 137Cef at
dosages of at least 1.0 megarad at room temperature
(ca. 20°C) .
7) Pasteurization - The temperature of the sewage sludge is
maintained at 70°C or higher for at least 30 minutes.
Vector Attraction Reduction Requirements
Vector attraction reduction reduces the potential for spreading
of infectious disease agents by vectors (i.e., flies, rodents,
and birds) . The alternative methods for meeting the vector
attraction reduction requirement imposed by Part 503 include -he
following:
1) Aerobic or Anaerobic Digestion - Mass of volatile solids
(VS) are reduced by 3 8% or more. VS reduction is measured
between the raw sewage sludge prior to stabilization and the
sewage sludge ready for use or disposal. This criterion
should be readily met by properly designed and operated
anaerobic digesters, but not as readily by typical aerobic
digesters. POTWs with aerobic digesters may need to meet
vector attraction reduction requirement through Alternative
3 or Alternative 4 below.
1-18
-------
2) Anaerobic Digestion - if 38% VS cannot be achieved, vector
attraction reduction can be demonstrated by further
digesting a portion of the digested sewage sludge in a bench
scale unit for an additional 40 days at 30 to 37°C or higher
and achieving a further VS reduction of less than 17%.
3) Aerobic Digestion - If 38% VS cannot be achieved, vector
attraction reduction can be demonstrating by further
digesting a portion of the digested sewage sludge with a
solids content of 2% or less in a bench scale unit for an
additional 30 days at 20°C and achieving a further VS
reduction of less than 15%.
4) Aergblc Digestion - Specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) is
less than or equal to 1.5 mg 02/hr-gram of total solids (TS)
at 20°C. If unable to meet the SOUR criteria, POTWs may be
able to satisfy Alternative 3.
5) Aerobic Processes - (e.g., composting) Temperature is kept
at greater than 40°C for at least 14 days and the average
temperature during this period is greater than 45°C.
6) Alkaline Stabilization - pH is raised to at least 12 by
alkali addition and, without the addition of more alkali,
remains at 12 or higher for 2 hours and then at 11.5 or
higher for an additional 22 hours.
7/8) Drying - TS is at least 75% when the sewage sludge do not
contain unstabilized primary solids and at least 90% when
unstabilized primary solids are included. Blending with
other materials is not allowed to achieve the total solids
percent.
9) Injection - Liquid sewage sludge (or domestic septage) is
injected beneath the surface with no significant amount of
sewage sludge present on the surface after 1 hour, except
for sewage sludges that are Class A for pathogen reduction,
which shall be injected within 8 hours of discharge from the
pathogen reduction process. This alternative is applicable
to bulk sewage sludge land applied to agricultural land,
forest, public contact sites or reclamation sites; domestic
septage land applied to agricultural land, forest or
reclamation sites; and sewage sludge or domestic septage
placed in a surface disposal site.
10) Incorporation - Sewage sludge (or domestic septage) that :s
land applied or placed in a surface disposal site shall =e
incorporated into the soil within 6 hours of application,
except for sewage sludge that is Class A for pathogen
reduction which is land applied shall be incorporated witr.in
8 hours of discharge from the pathogen reduction process.
1-19
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process. This alternative is applicable to bulk sewage
sludge land applied to agricultural land, forest, public
contact sites or reclamation sites; domestic septage land
applied to agricultural land, forest or reclamation sites;
and sewage sludge or domestic septage placed in a surface
disposal site.
11) Surface Disposal Daily Cover - Sewage sludge or domestic
septage placed in a surface disposal site shall be covered
with soil or other material at the end of each operating
day. *
12) Domestic Septage Treatment - The pH of domestic septage is
raised to 12 or higher by alkali addition, and without the
addition of more alkali, remains at 12 or higher for 30
minutes. This alternative is applicable to domestic septage
applied to agricultural land, forest or reclamation sites or
placed in a surface disposal site.
One of the vector attraction reduction alternatives 1-10 must be
met when bulk sewage sludge is applied to agricultural land,
forest, public contact or reclamation sites. One of alternatives
1-8 must be met when bulk sewage sludge is applied to lawns or
home gardens or sewage sludge is sold or given away in a bag or
other container for land application. One of alternatives l-ll
must be met when sewage sludge is placed in a surface disposal
site. Although domestic septage can also be treated the same as
sewage sludge, when it is handled as "domestic septage" rather
than sewage sludge, one of alternatives 9, 10 or 12 must be met
when it is applied to agricultural land, forest or reclamation
sites, and one of alternatives 9-12 must be met when it is placed
in a surface disposal site.
XHCZNERATXON
The Part 503 regulation establishes reguirements for sewage
sludge-only incinerators. The rule covers the sewage sludge
feed, the furnace itself, the operators and the exhaust gases
from the stack. It does not apply to facilities incinerating
hazardous wastewater solids (as defined by 40 CFR Part 261) or
wastewater solids containing >50 ppm concentrations of PCBs. It
also does not apply to facilities that co-fire sewage sludge with
other wastes (although up to 30% MSW as auxiliary fuel is not
considered "other wastes") . Furthermore, this rule does not
apply to the ash produced by a sewage sludge incinerator.
The rule indirectly limits emissions of heavy metals and directly
limits hydrocarbon emissions from sewage sludge incinerators, and
establishes management practices, minimum frequency of
monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The rule
contains equations to calculate the allowable concentration of
1-20
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metals in the sewage sludge fed to the incinerator, and contains
a limit on Total Hydrocarbons (THC) in the emissions from a
sewage sludge incinerator stack. Federal permits issued to
sewage sludge incinerators will include site-specific pollutant
limits based upon the results of performance testing and air
dispersion modeling. Permit applications for sewage sludge
incinerators are due to EPA (or a delegated state) within 180
days of publication of the final Part 503 regulation. The
monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting for everything except THC
become effective 150 days from the date of publication of the
final rule. Notwithstanding the permitting process, sewage
sludge incinerator facilities are required to be in compliance
with all of the requirements of the rule within 1 year.
Facilities that need to construct new pollution control
facilities to comply with requirements will have two years to
achieve compliance.
Preparation of permit applications requires that sewage sludge
incineration facilities conduct performance tests of their
existing systems to determine pollution control efficiencies for
heavy metals, and to conduct air dispersion modeling for site-
specific conditions. New continuous emissions monitoring
equipment will also need to be installed.
Pollutant Limits
Pollutant limits for sewage sludges to be incinerated are imposed
for the following heavy metals: beryllium, mercury, lead,
arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel. The limits for beryllium
and mercury are those that already exist under the National
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NE5HAPS; 40 CFR
Part 261). Pollutant limits for the remaining metals will be
determined on site-specific performance characteristics and
emission dispersion modeling.
Incinerators must also meet a monthly average limit of 100 ppm
for total hydrocarbons (THC), corrected for moisture level (to
zero percent) and oxygen content (to 7%). This limit is intended
as an indicator to control toxic organic compound emissions. The
limit is based on the arithmetic mean of hourly readings for the
month, with a requirement for at least two readings during each
hour of operation. The THC measuring device used must be a flame
ionization detector with a heated sample line maintained at 150°C
or higher at all times, and be calibrated at least once every 24
hour operating period using propane. Operating parameters, such
as oxygen concentrations and information to determine moisture
content, in the stack exhaust gases and furnace combustion
temperature must be continuously monitored.
Management Practices
The rule specifically bans sewage sludge incineration "if it is
likely to adversely affect a threatened or endangered species
1-21
-------
listed under the Endangered Species Act, or its designated
critical habitat." If threatened or endangered species are known
to be present in the vicinity of the incinerator, an ecological
risk assessaent may be needed to verify lack of likely impact.
Monitoring
Monitoring frequencies depend on the pollutant/parameter being
monitored. Minimum monitoring frequencies for arsenic,
beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and nickel are the
same as for land application, based on the incinerator's'
throughput of sewage sludge.
The permitting authority may iaoose more frequent monitoring
requirements on permittees. In addition, after two years of
monitoring at these frequencies, the permitting authority may
allow the monitoring frequencies for arsenic, beryllium, cadmium,
lead, mercury and nickel to fca reduced to no less than once per
year. Continuous monitoring is required for THC, oxygen content,
moisture level, and combustion temperature. Monitoring for air
pollution control device (APCD) operating parameters (i.e.,
scrubber pressure drop or afterburner operating temperature) will
be required by the permitting authority.
Recordkeeping/Reporting
Sewage sludge incinerators must keep records of their operations
for a five year period. Records will include: metal con-tent in
the sewage sludge feed, THC concentrations in the exhaust,
verification of compliance with NESHAPS, results from the
continuous emissions monitors and APCD monitors, results from the
control efficiency tests and dispersion modeling, and the
calibration and maintenance logs. These records have to be
reported to the permitting authority each year on the anniversary
of the date of publication of the Part 503 rule if the permittee
is a Class I sewage sludge management facility, has a design flow
of 1 MGO or more, or it serves a population of at least 10,000.
DOMESTIC SEPTAGE
The Part 503 regulation addresses management of septage generated
from domestic sources only. If commercial or industrial wastes
are combined with the domestic wastes, Part 503 does not apply to
the use or disposal of the resulting septage. Domestic septage
is defined as "liquid or solid material removed from a septic
tank, cesspool, portable toilet, Type III marine sanitation
device or similar system that receives only domestic (non-
commercial) septage." Substances often referred to as septage,
such as grease trap residues, as well as grit and screenings, are
not included in this definition.
1-22
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The final Fart 503 regulation provides a simplified regulatory
scheme for the land application of domestic septage which is
applicable only if the domestic septage application is to "non-
public contact sites," where the potential for public exposure is
minimal, such as agricultural fields, forests, and disturbed
sites in nssd of reclamation. Allowable land application rates
are based upon the nitrogen requirement of the crop grown and
yield expected.
Management of domestic septage in other ways (i.e., land
application to public contact sites, surface disposal or
incineration) must be performed in accordance with the same
provisions which govern management of sewage sludge through the
various options, with a major exception - there is no requirement
to analyze domestic septage for pollutant concentrations for land
application or surface disposal.
Land Application of Domestic Septage to Non-Public Contact Sites
Under the Part 503 regulation, domestic septage appliers are
required to:
1) Meet (and certify) applicable pathogen and vector attraction
reduction requirements
2) Follow specific management practices
3) Apply domestic septage at rates based on nitrogen requirement
of the crops
4) Ensure that the septage is from domestic sources only
5) Keep site application records
Septage tank pumpers who land apply domestic septage to
agricultural land, forest, or reclamation sites are generally not
required to obtain federal permits for these activities, but are
subject to the same enforcement actions as other "sewage sludge"
use or disposal operators if they fail to comply with applicable
Part 503 requirements. The Clean Water Act makes the Parr 503
regulations enforceable without a permit being issued.
Pathogen Reduction
Pathogen reduction requirements applicable to land application of
domestic septage can be achieved either through strict management
practices or through stabilization of the domestic septage with
alkaline materials and less limiting management practices. The
management practices (including restrictions on crop harvesting,
animal grazing and public access) vary depending on how pathogens
are addressed. If domestic septage is not stabilized prior to
application to agricultural land, forest, or reclamation sites,
the same site restrictions as imposed on Class- B sewage sludge
are required. If domestic septage is stabilized prior to
application by mixing with enough alkaline material to raise its
pH to at least 12 for at least 3 0 minutes, only the first four
crop harvesting restrictions are applicable. No pathogen
reduction requirements are imposed on surface disposal of
domestic septage.
1-23
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Victor Attraction Reduction
As described earlier, three vector attraction reduction
alternatives (/9 - Injection, /10 - Incorporation, or #12 -
Septage Treatment) may be employed when domestic septage is
applied to agricultural land, forest, or reclamation sites. Four
vector attraction reduction alternatives (/9 - Injection, /io -
Incorporation, /II - Daily Cover, or /12 - Domestic Sep-tage
Treatment) may be employed when domestic septage is placed in a
surface disposal site. The treatment of domestic septage by pH
adjustment to meet pathogen and vector attraction reduction
requirements involves the same treatment process - mixing with
enough alkaline material to raise its pH to at least 12 for at
least 30 minutes to meet pathogen reduction and vector attraction
reduction requirements
Application Sate
The maximum volume of domestic septage which can be applied to
agricultural land, forest or reclamation sites in any year
depends on the amount of nitrogen required by the crop grown and
expected yield. The following equation is provided in the
regulation to calculate annual septage application rates:
Annual Application Rate „ lbs. N Required bv Crop
(gallons per acre year) 0.0026*
"based on estimated available N (in ml/1) in
domestic septage times a conversion factor
Frequency of Monitoring/Record Keeping/Reporting
When domestic septage pathogen reduction is achieved by pH
adjustment with alkaline materials, pH levels in every container
(truck load) must be monitored. Although there are no formal
reporting requirements, the regulation does specify records that
must be maintained by land appliers of domestic septage.
The following table lists the information which must be recorded
and saved by the septage land applier. These records must be
kept for five years following application. Sample forms for
record keeping have been developed and are available from EPA.
They are included in a guidance document entitled "Simplified
Federal EPA Rules for Land Application of Domestic Septage to
Non-Public Contact Sites."
For domestic septage placed in surface disposal sites, if vector
attraction reduction is achieved by pH adjustment, monitoring of
each container is required. Methane gas monitoring requirements
placed on covered sites is the same as for surface disposal of
sewage sludge. Also, records must be kept for at least 5 yeara
concerning the surface disposal site management practices and
vector attraction reduction practices employed.
1-24
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REQUIRED RECORDS
1. Location of the application site (either the street address,
or the longitude and latitude of the site).
2. Number of acres to which domestic septage is applied at
each site.
3. Date and time of each application.
4. Nitrogen requirement for the crop or vegetation grown on
each site during a 365 day period.
5. Gallons of domestic septage applied to each site.'
6. Required certification statement.
7. Description of pathogen reduction measures used.
8. Description of vector attraction measures used.
Compliance
As with other provisions of the regulation, domestic septage
appliers must begin to maintain records of their acrivities
within 150 days of publication of the rule in the Federal
Register. Compliance with other provisions must be achieved
within one year of" publication of the rule in the Federal
Register if no construction of new pollution control facilities
is required.
OWEC: WH-547.s 112 5ET: RBASTIAN: rkb: 503FINSM. 293:3 /08 / 93
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Intentional blank page.
Prated on recycled paper
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BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK It
EPA REGION VIII —NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
SECTION 2. The following reference sheets provide pertinent information and
REFERENCE additional references for several issues relevant to 40 CFR Part 503.
SHEETS Some of the reference sheets contain information directly related to
compliance issues (e.g., approved analytical methods), while the
remaining sheets provide guidance for implementing 40 CFR Part 503.
The topics presented may not be applicable to all, but should assist those
who need additional information. This is only a preliminary list of topics;
more may be added when warranted. Therefore, your comments and
suggestions regarding the topics presented will be welcomed, so let us
know some of your favorite and most useful references. The following
table of contents lists the reference sheets provided.
Topic (Reference No.)
2.1 Ground Water Monitoring (RS/793/01/1)
2.2 Biosolids Analysis Methods (RS/793/02/1)
2.3 Sludge Management Plan (RS/793/03/1)
2.4 Public Relations (RS/793/04/1)
2.5 Micronutrients vs. Toxic Metals (RS/793/05/1)
2.6 Pathogen and Vector Attract Reduction Methods (RS/793/06/1)
2.7 CERCLA Liability (RS/793/07/1)
2.8 Toxicity, Biosolids and TCLP Test (RS/793/08/1)
2.9 Conservation Tillage and Wind Erosion Techniques (RS/793/09/1)
2.10 Set Backs and Buffers for Land Application (RS/793/10/1)
2.11 Metals Availability vs. pH—And—How Your Sludge Compares to
the National Average (RS/793/11/1)
2.12 Part 258—Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
(RS/793/12/1)
2.13 Sludge Sampling Guidance for POTWs (RS/793/13/1)
2.14 All Kinds of Environmental Help (RS/793/14/1)
2.15 Additional Reference Sheet (RS/793/15/1)
2-1
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Intentional blank page.
Printed oc recycled paper
2-2
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m
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500. Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue. Seattle. Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heatherington
2.1
GROUND-WATER
MONITORING
(RS/793/01/1)
Many POTWs may be currently conducting ground-water monitoring as
part of their standard operating procedure. The use of wastewater
lagoons, sludge drying/thickening lagoons, drying beds, storage piles,
surface disposal sites or other related activities requires periodic ground-
water monitoring due to the potential for ground-water contamination.
Anyone who has conducted some sort of ground-water monitoring
understands that the processes involved are complex. Some of the key
components to a successful ground-water monitoring effort include:1
• An evaluation of the hydrogeologic setting and program
information needs
• Proper well placement and construction
• Evaluation of well-performance and purging strategies: and the
execution of effective sampling protocols that include the
appropriate selection of sampling mechanisms and materials, as
well as sample collection and handling procedures.
The first two steps presented above are typically conducted by a
contracted engineering firm or other related professional service and
will, therefore, not be presented in detail in this reference sheet.
However, since this assumption may not be true for all POTWs,
technical documents regarding hydrogeologic evaluations and well
placement and installation have been included in the listing of additional
references.
Information relating to effective sampling protocols, such as proper
sample collection and handling procedures, may be more pertinent to
POTWs. Table 2.1.1 provides a quick reference of ground-water
monitoring activities outlining specific tasks, goals of the task, and
helpful recommendations. Table 2.1.2 provides recommendations for
ground-water sampling and preservation techniques for commonly
sampled parameters. The reference section provides a listing of
additional references regarding ground-water monitoring.
'M.J. Barcelona, et a]. Practical Guide for Groundwater Sampling (EPA/600/2-85/104, 1985), pg xi.
2.1-1
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Excerpted from "Practical Guide For Groundwater Sampling", EPA/600/2-85/104, page 110.
TABLE 2.1.1
SUMMARY OF GROUNDWATER MONITORING ACTIVITIES
Step
Hydrologic
Measurements
Well Purging
Sample Collection
Filtration/
Preservation
Field Determinations
Field Blanks/
Stanaarcs
Samnling Storage/
Transport
Goal
Establish nonpisnpmg water
level.
Removal or isolation of
stagnant H2O which
would otherwise bias
representative sample.
Collection of samples
at land surface or in
well-bore with minimal
disturbance of sample
chemistry.
Filtration permits
determination of soluble
constituents and is a
form of preservation. It
snould be done in the
field as soon as possible
after collection.
Field analyses of samples
will effectively avoid
bias in determinations of
parameters/constituents
wmcn do not store well:
e.g., gases, alkalinity,
pH.
These blanks ana stancaras
wiil permit the corrscticn
of analytical results for
changes whicn may occur
after sanole collection:
preservation, storage, and
trar.sDort.
Refrigeration and protec-
tion of samoles should
minimize the chemical
alteration of samples
prior to analysis.
Recommendations
Measure the water level to
±0.3 cm (±0.01 ft).
Pump water until well
purging parameters (e.g.,
pH, T, Q~', Eh) stabilize
to ±10? over at least two
successive well volumes
pumped.
Pumping rates should be
limited to -100 mL/min
for volatile orgamcs and
gas-sensitive parameters.
Filter: 7: -ce rnetals,
inorganic anions/cations,
alkalinity.
Do not Filter: TCC, T0X,
volatile organic caapouna
samples: other organic
compound samples only
when required.
SamDles for determina-
tions of gases, alkalinity
ana pH snould be analyzed
in the field if at all
at all possible.
At least one blank ana
one stanaara for eacn
sensitive parameter
should be mace up in the
field on each day of
sampling. Spiked samples
are also reccmmenaea for
good QA/CC.
Observe maximum samele
holding or storage
perioa3 reccmmenaea by
the Agency. Documentation
of actual holding perioa3
should be carefully per-
formed.
2.1-2
-------
Excerpted from "Manual of Groundwater Sampling Procedures", Scalf, M.R. et al. 1981
TABLE 2.1.2
RECOMMENDATION FOR GROUNDWATER SAMPLING & PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES
Measurenent
Vol.
Req.
(ml)
Container
(b)
Preservative
Holdina %
Time' ^
Physical
Properties
Color 50
Conductance 100
Hardness 100
Odor 200
pH 25
Residue
Filterable 100
Non-
Filterable 100
Total 100
Volatile 100
Settleable Matter 1000
TemDerature 1000
Turbidity 100
Metals
Dissolved 200
Suspended 200
Total 100
P,G
P,G
P,G
G only
P,G
P>G
P,G
P,G
P)G
P,G
P,G
P,G
P,G
P.G
Cool, 4°C
Cool, 4°C
Cool, 4°C
HN03 to pH<2
Cool, 4°C
Det. on site
Cool, 4°C
Cool, 4°C
Cool, 4°C
Cool, 4°C
None Req.
Det. on site
Cool, 4°C
Filter on site
HN03 to pH<2
Filter on site
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.^
6 Mos.^
24 Hrs.
6 Hrs.
7 Days
7 Days
7 Days
7 Days
24 Hrs.
No Holding
7 Days
6 Mos.^
6 Mos.
HNO^ to pH<2 6 Mos.
(e)
2.1-3
-------
TABLE 2.1.2
(CONT'D)
Measurement
Vol.
Req.
(ml)
Container^
Preservative
Holdinor>
Timerc;
Mercury Dissolved
100
P,G
Filter on site
HN03 to pH<2
38 Days
(Glass)
13 Days
(Hard
Plastic)
Total
100
P,G
HN03 to pH<2
38 Days
(Glass)
13 Days
(Hard
Plastic)
Inoroanics. Non-Metallics
Acidity
100
P.G
None Req.
24 Hrs.
Alkalinity
100
P,G
Cool, 4°C
24 Hrs.
Bromi de
100
P»G
Cool, 4°C
24 Hrs.
Chloride
50
P>G
None Req.
7 Days
Chlorine
200
P,G
Oet. on site
No Holding
Cyanides
500
P,G
Cool, 4°C
NaOH to pH 12
24 Hrs.
Fluoride
300
P,G
None Req.
7 Days
Iodide
100
P.G
Cool, 4°C
24 Hrs.
Nitrogen
Amnonia
400
P»G
Cool, 4°C
H2S04 to pH<2
24 Hrs.
Kjeldahl, Total
500
P >G
Cool, 4°C
H2S0^ to pH<2
24 Hrs.(f)
Nitrate plus Nitrite
100
P.G
Cool, 4°C
H2S04 to pH<2
24 Hrs/f)
Nitrate
100
P»G
Cool, 49C
24 Hrs.
Nitrite
50
P»G
Cool, 4®C
48 Hrs.
(conxinueaj
-------
TABLE 2.1.2 (CONT'D)
Vol.
Req.
Measurement (ml)
Container
(b)
Preservative
Holding,.,
Time' '
Dissolved Oxygen
Probe 300
Winkler 300
Phosphorus
Ortho-phosphate, 50
Dissolved
Hydrolyzable 50
Total 50
Total, 50
Dissolved
Silica 50
Sulfate 50
Sulfide 500
Sulfite 50
Routine Qraanics
BOD 1000
COD 50
Oil & Grease 1000
Organic Carbon 25
n" -nolies 500
G only
G only
P»G
P.G
P.G
P.G
P only
P.G
P »G
P>G
P.G
P.G
G only
P.G
G only
Det. on site
Fix on site
Filter on site
Cool, 4®C
Cool, 48C
H2S04 to pH<2
Cool, 4°C
H2S0; to pH<2
Filter on site
Cool, 4°C
H2S0; to pH<2
Cool, 4°C
Cool, 4«C
2 ml zinc
acetate
Det. on site
Cool, 4°C
H2S0. to pH<2
Cool, 4°C
H-SO, or HCL to
2 4 pH<2
Cool', 4°C
H«S0- or HCL to
& pH<2
Cool, 4°C
H3P04 to pH<4
1.0 g CuSO^/l
No Holding
4-8 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
7 Days
7 Days
24 Hrs.
No Holding
(f)
(f)
(f)
24 Hrs.
7 Days
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
(f)
(continued;
2.1-5
-------
TABLE 2.1.2 (CONT'D)
Vol.
Req. /lx Holdina x
Measurenent (ml) Container'1 ' Preservative Time^ '
MBAS
250
P,G
Cool,
48C
24 Hrs.
NTA
50
P,G
Cool,
4«C
24 Hrs.
a. A general discussion on saimjling water and industrial wastewater may be
found in ASTM, Part 31, p. 72-82 (1976) Method D-3370.
b. Plastic (P) or Glass (G). For metals polyethylene with a polypropylene
cap (no liner) is preferred.
c. It should be pointed out that holding times listed above are recomnended
for properly preserved samples based on currently available data. It is
recognized that for some samole types, extension of these times may be
possible while for other types, these times may be too long. Where
shipping regulations prevent the use of the proper preservation tecnniaue
or the holding time is exceeded, such as the case of a 24-hour composite,
the final reported data for these samples should indicate the specific
variance.
d. If the sample is stabilized by cooling, it should be warmed to 25°C for
reading, or temperature correction made and results reported at 25°C.
e. Where HN0-, cannot be used because of shipping restrictions, the samde may
be initiafly preserved by icing and immediately shipped to the laboratory.
Upon receipt in the laboratory, the sample must be acidified to a pH < 2
with HNO- (normally 3 ml 1:1 HNCL/liter is sufficient). At the time of
analysis, the sample container should be thorougnly rinsed with 1:1 HNO,
and the washings added to the sample (volume correction may be required).
f. Data obtained from National Enforcement Investigations Center-Denver,
Colorado, suDport a four-wee< holding time for this parameter in Seweraae
Systems. (SIC 4952).
2.1-6
-------
Excerpted from: Practical Guide for Groundwater Sampling", EPA600/2-85/104, pg.163-166
SUPPLEMENTAL REFERENCES
1. U.S. Geological Survey. 197"1 I^tional Handbook of Recommended
Methods for Water-Data Acquisition. USGS Office of Water Data
Coordination, Reston, Virginia.
2. wood, W. W. 1976. Guidelines for Collection and Field Analysis of
Ui cur.dwater Samples for Selected Unstable Constituents. In: U.S.
Geological Survey Techniques for Water Resources Investigations,
Book 1, Chapter D-2.
3. Scalf, M. R., J. F. McNabb, W. J. Dunlap, R. L. Cosby, ana
J. Fryberger. 1981. Manual of Ground-Water Quality Sampling
Procedures. National Water Well Association, Worthington, Ohio.
4. Brass, H. J., M. A. Feige, T. Halloran, J. W. Mellow, D. Munch, ana
R. F. Thomas. 1977. The National Organic Monitoring Survey:
Samplings and Analyses for Purgeable Organic Canpounas. In:
Drinking Water Quality Enhancement througn Source Protection (R. B.
Pojasek, ed.), Ann Arbor Science Publishers, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
5. Dunlap, W. J., J. F. McNabb, M. R. Scalf, and R. L. Cosby. 1977.
Sampling for Organic Chemicals ana Microorganisms in the
Subsurface. Office of Researcn and Development, USEPA,
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, Ada, Oklahoma.
6. Sisk, S. W. 1981. NEIC Manual for Grounawater/Subsurface Investi-
gations at Hazardous Waste Sites. USEPA Office of Enforcement,
National Enforcement Investigations Center, Denver, Coloraao.
7. Fenn, D., E. Cocozza, J. Isbister, 0. Braids, B. Yare, ana P. Roux.
1977. Procedures Manual for Ground Water Monitoring at Solid Waste
Disposal Facilities. EPA/530/SW611, USEPA, Cincinnati, Ohio.
8. Tinlin, R. M., ed. 1976. Monitoring Groundwater Quality:
Illustrative Examples. EPA 6OO/M-76-036, USEPA, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Office of Research ana Develop-
ment, Las Vegas, Nevada.
9. National Council of the Paper Industry for Air ana Stream
Improvement. 1982. A Guide to Grounawater Sampling. Tecnmcal
Bulletin 362, NCASI, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, New York.
10. Todd, D. K., R. M. Tinlin, K. D. Schmidt, and L. G. Everett. 1976.
Monitoring Ground-Water Quality: Monitoring Methoaology.
EPA-600A-76-026, USEPA, Las Vegas, Nevada.
11. Gibb, J. P., R. M. Schuller, and R. A. Griffin. 1981. Procedures
for the Collection of Representative Water Quality Data from
Monitoring Wells. Cooperative Grounawater Report 7, Illinois State
Water Survey and Illinois State Geological Survey, ChamDaign,
Illinois.
2.1-7
-------
12. Grisak, G. E.t R. E. Jackson, ana J. e. Pickens. 1978. Monitoring
Groundwater Quality: The Technical Difficulties. Water Resources
Bulletin, June 12-14, 1978, San Francisco, Calif., p. 210-232.
13. Gillham, R. W., M. J. L. Robin, J. F. Barker and J. A. Cherry.
1983. Ground-Water Monitoring and Sample Bias. Department of Earth
Sciences, University of Waterloo. Prepared for the American Petro-
leum Institute. API Pub. 4367, June 1983, 206 pp.
14. Brown, K. W. and S. L. Black. 1983. Quality Assurance and Quality
Control Data Validation Procedures Used for the Love Canal ana
Dallas Lead Soil Monitoring Programs. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment 3. p. 113-122.
15. Nacht, S. J. 1983. Monitoring Sampling Protocol Considerations.
Ground Water Monitoring Review, Summer, 1983, p. 23-29.
16. Keith, S. J., M. T. Frank, G. McCarty and G. Massman. 1983.
Dealing With the Problem of Obtaining Accurate Ground-Water Quality
Analytical Results. In: Proceedings of the 3rd National Symposium
on Aquifer Restoration and Ground Water Monitoring. May 25-27,
1983, Columbus, Ohio. D. M. Nielsen, ed., National Water Well
Association, Water Well Journal Publishing Company, Worthington,
Ohio, 1983. 461 pp.
17. Kircnmer, C. J. 1983. Quality Control in Water Analyses.
Environmental Science and Technology 17, 4, p. 174A-181A.
18. Kirchmer, C. J., M. C. Winter and 3. A. Kelly. 1983. Factors
Affecting the Accuracy of Quantitative Analyses of Priority
Pollutants Using GC/MS. Environmental Science and Technology 17,
396-401 .
19. Dressman, R. C. 1982. Elements of a Laboratory Quality Assurance
Program. Proc. of AWWA Water Quality Technology Conference,
Nasnville, TN, December 5-3. American Water Works Association,
1982, p. 69-75.
20. Dux, J. P. 1983. Quality Assurance in the Analytical Laboratory.
American Laboratory, July, 1983, p. 54-63.
21. Kingsley, B. A. 1982. Quality Assurance in a Control Laboratory.
Proc. of the AWWA Water Quality Tecnnology Conference, Nasnville,
TN, December 5-8. Journal American Water WorKS Association, 1982,
p. 69-75.
22. Kingsley, B. A., C. Gin, W. R. Peifer, D. F. Stivers, S. H. Allen,
H. J. Brass, E. M. Glick and M. J. Weisner. 1981. Cooperative
Quality Assurance Program for Monitoring Contract Laboratory Per-
formance. In: Advances in the Identification ana Analysis of
Organic Pollutants in Water, Chapter 45, Vol. 2. L. H. Keith, ed.,
Ann Arbor Science, Ann Arbor, MI, 1981.
2.1-8
-------
23. Barcelona, M. J. 1983. Chemical Problems in Ground-Water
Monitoring Programs. In: Proceedings of the 3ra National
Symposium on Aquifer Restoration and Ground-Hater Monitoring,
Columbus, OH, May 25-27, 1983, p. 263-271 . D. M. Nielsen, ed.,
National Water Well Association, Water Well Journal Publishing
Ccmpany, Worthington, OH, 461 pp.
24. Taylor, J. K. 1983. Quality Assurance of Chemical Measurements.
Analytical Chemistry 53. p. 1588a—1593A.
25. Taylor, J. K. 1981. Validation of Analytical Methods. Analytical
Chemistry 55, 6, p. 600A-608A.
26. ACS. 1980. Guidelines for Data Acquisition and Data Quality
Evaluation in Environmental Chemistry. American Chemical Society
Committee on Environmental Improvement, Analytical Chemistry 52,
2242-2249.
-27. USEPA. 1982. Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, SW-346, 2nd
edition. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Wasnington,
D.C. 20460, July.
28. USEPA. 1979a. Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water ana Wastes.
EPA-600/4-79-020, USEPA-EMSL, Cincinnati, OH 45269, Marcn.
29. USEPA. 1979b. Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Water
and Wastewater Laboratories. EPA-600/4-79-19, USEPA-EMSL,
Cincinnati, OH, 1979.
30. Kratochvil, B. ana J. K. Taylcr. 1981. Sampling for Chemical
Analysis. Analytical Chemistry 53, 8, 924A-938A.
31. Claassen, H. C. 1982. Guidelines ana Tecnmaues for Obtaining
Water Samples that Accurately Represent the Water Chemistry of an
Aquifer. U. S. Geological Survey, Open-fila Report 82-1024, Lake,
CO, 49 pp.
32. Ingamells, C. O. 1974. New Approaches to Geocnemical Analysis ana
Sampling. Talanta 21, 141-155.
33. Ingamells, C. 0. ana P. Switzer. 1973. A Proposea Sampling
Constant for Use in Geocnemical Analysis. Talanta 20, 547-568.
34. Keely, J. F. 1982. Chemical Time-Series Sampling. Grcuna Water
Monitoring Review. 29~37.
35. Keely, J. F. and F. Wolf. 1983. Field Applications of Chemical
Time-Series Sampling. Ground Water Monitoring Review. 26-33.1
36. Hansen, E. A. ana A. R. Harris. 1980. An Improved Tecnni'que for
Spatial Sampling of Solutes in Shallow Grouna Water Systems. Water
Resources Reaearcr. 16, 4, 827-829.
2.1-9
-------
57. Gillftam, R. W. 1982. Syringe Devices for Ground-Water Sampling.
Grouna Water Monitoring Review. Spring 1982, 36-39.
38. Barvenik, M. J. and R. M. Cadwgan. 1983. Multilevel Gas-Drive
Sampling of Deep Fractured Rock Aquifers in Virginia. Ground Water
Monitoring Review, Fall, 1983, 34-40.
39. McLaren, F. R., R. Armstrong, G. M. Carlton. 1982. Investigation
and Characterization of Large-Scale Ground Water Contamination in
Alluvial Aquifers. Presented at Water Pollution Control Federation
Conference, Oct. 3-8, 1982, St. Louis, MO, 20 pp.
40. Pankow, J. F., L. M. Isabelle, J. P. Hewetson, and J. A. Cherry.
1984. A Syringe and Cartridge Method for Down Hole Sampling for
Trace Organics in Grouna Water. Ground Water 22, 3, 330-339.
41. Eccles, L. A. and R. R. Nicklen. 1978. Factors Influencing the
Design of a Ground Water Quality Monitoring Network. Water
Resources Bulletin, Establishment of Water Quality Monitoring
Programs. American Water Resources Association, June 1978,
196-209.
42. Todd, D. K. 1980. Ground Water Hydrology. John Wiley and Sons,
N.Y., 534 pp.
43. Nelson, J. D. and R. C. Ward. 1981. Statistical Considerations
and Sampling Techniques for Grouna-Water Quality Monitoring. Grouna
Water 19, 6, 617-625.
44. Casey, D., P. N. Nemetz ana D. H. Uyeno. 1983. Sampling Frequency
for Water Quality Monitoring: Measures of Effectiveness. Water
Resources Research 19, 5, 1107-1110.
45. Cook, J. M. and D. L. Miles. 1980. Methoas for the Chemical
Analysis of Ground Water. Report 80/5, Institute of Geological
Sciences, Natural Environment Research Council, U. K. Lonaon,
55 pp.
46. APHA, AWWA, WPCF. 1980. Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water ana Wastewater, 15th Edition, American Public Health
Association, American Water Works Association, ana the Water
Pollution Control Feaeration.
47. Barcelona, M. J. 1984. T0C Determinations in Ground Water. Grouna
Water 22, 1, 18-24.
48. Baker, E. L., P. J. Landrigan, P. E. Bertozzi, P. H. Field,
B. J. Basteyns and H. G. Skinner. 1978. Phenol Poisoning Due to
Contaminated Drinking Water. Arch. Env. Health, March/April, 1978,
89-94.
49. Elder, V. A., B. L. Proctor and R. A. Hites. 1981. Organic
Ccmpcunas Found Near Dump Sites in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Environ.
Sci. and Techn. 15, 10, 1237-1243.
2.1-10
-------
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heatherington
2.2 40 CFR Part 503.8 contains a listing of approved analytical methods and
BIOSOLIDS volatile solids reduction calculations that must be used for monitoring
ANALYSIS METHODS sludge quality. It is the responsibility of the permit holder, and not the
(RS/793/02/1) contract lab, to ensure that only EPA-approved analytical methods are
used. Therefore, you need to be knowledgeable about which methods
must be used for each specific analysis and, if needed, provide that
information to the contract lab.
Table 2.2.1 contains the required analytical method, the maximum
allowable sample holding times, sample preservation techniques, sample
containers, sample preparation methods, and additional comments that
may be pertinent to the analytical method. Much of this information is
repeated throughout this handbook, but Table 2.2.1 was intended to be
used as a reference guide when you are preparing for sample collection
and when reviewing the delivered data summary package.
Several points must be made prior to reviewing the Table:
• For metals, a common analytical error is that labs conduct the
metals analyses using analytical methods developed for water
and wastewater. Analytical methods for water and wastewater
are found in Standard Methods while the solid waste analytical
methods are found in Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Wastes
(EPA SW-846). For sludge samples, all metals must be
analyzed by SW-846 Methods.
• Also for metals, note that more than one SW-846 method is
provided for each pollutant. The difference between the
methods is usually the equipment used (i.e., direct aspiration,
furnace, or ICP scan) and the level of detection desired. Each
of the three methods are EPA-approved but certain sample
characteristics may require one to be used instead of another.
You should consult your lab regarding these choices.
• SW-846 Method 3050 is the required preparation method for all
metals except mercury (using equivalent to 1 gram dry weight).
• In contrast to the metals, many of the additional inorganic
parameters (e.g., nitrite, TKN, etc.) require methods which are
found in Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater. There
are several reasons for this, one being that there is no method
for the parameter which is specific to solid waste.
2.2-1
Printed on recycled paper
-------
Table 2.2.1
Approved Methods for the Analysis of Biosolids (40 CFR Part 503)
to
to
s.
TB
•s
Pollutant
Analysis Method Description
Maximum Holding Time
Sample Preservation
Sample Container
Sample Preparation
Comments
Arsenic
AA Gaseous Hvdride
SW-846 Method 7061
AA Furnace
SW-846 Method 7060
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
6 Months
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Samples need to be digested
prior to analysis.
All samples must be digested using SW-
846 Method 3050 (using equivalent to I
gram dry weight) prior to analysis by any
of the procedures indicated. The AA
Direct Aspiration analyses are applicable
at moderate concentration levels in clean
complex matrix systems. AA Furnace
methods can increase sensitivity if matrix
effects are not severe. Inductively
Coupled Plasma (ICP) methods are
applicable over a broad linear range and
Cadmium
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7130
AA Furnace
SW-846 Method 7131
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
are especially sensitive for refractory
elements. Detection limits for AA
Furnace methods are generally higher than
for ICP methods.
Chromium
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7190
AA Furnace
SW-846 Method 7191
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
-------
Table 2.2.1
Approved Methods for the Analysis of Biosolids (40 CFR Part 503) (Continued)
Pollutant
Analysis Method Description
Maximum Holding Time
Sample Preservation
Sample Container
Sample Preparation
Comments
Copper
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7210
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
6 Months
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Samples need to be digested
prior to analysis.
All samples must be digested using SW-
846 Method 3050 (using equivalent to 1
gram dry weight) prior to analysis by any
of the procedures indicated. The AA
Direct Aspiration analyses are applicable
at moderate concentration levels in clean
complex matrix systems. AA Furnace
methods can increase sensitivity if matrix
effects are not severe. Inductively
Coupled Plasma (ICP) methods are
applicable over a broad linear range and
are especially sensitive for refractory
elements. Detection limits for AA
Furnace methods are generally higher than
for ICP methods.
Lead
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7420
AA Furnace
SW-846 7421
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
Molybdenum
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7480
AA Fumace
SW-846 Method 7481
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
Nickel
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7520
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
Selenium
AA Furnace
SW-846 Method 7740
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
AA Gaseous Hydride
SW-846 Method 7741
Zinc
AA Direct Aspiration
SW-846 Method 7950
Inductively Coupled Plasma
SW-846 Method 6010
All metals samples must be prepared prior to analysis using SW846-Method 3050
-------
Table 2.2.1
Approved Methods Tor the Analysis of Biosolids (40 CFR Part 503) (Continued)
tsj
to
I
S
B.
¦g
T?
Pollutant
Analysis Method Description
Maximum Holding Time
Sample Preservation
Sample Container
Sample Preparation
Comments
Mercury
Cold Vanor (manual)
SW-846 Method 7470
SW-846 Method 7471
28 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Samples need to be digested
prior to analysis.
SW-846 Method 7470 applies to Mercury
in Liquid Wastes.
SW-846 Method 7471 applies to Mercury
in solid or semisolid wastes.
The digestion procedure is contained in the
analytical method.
Fecal Coliform
SM-9221 C (MPN)
SM-9222 D (Membrane Filter, MF)
6 hours
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Both procedures are very temperature
sensitive. Samples must be analyzed
within defined holding times.
Salmonella, sp.
SM-9260 D.l
or
Kenner
6 hours
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Large sample volumes are needed due to
the low concentration of Salmonella in
wastewater and sludge. Also, due to the
laree number of Salmonella species, more
than one procedure may be necessary to
adequately determine the presence of
Salmonella.
Enteric Viruses
ASTM-Method D 4994-89
2 hours at up to 25°C or 48
hours at 2 to 10°C.
Plastic or Glass Container
Concentration of sample is necessary due
to the presumably low numbers of viruses
in the sample.
Helminth Ova
Yanko
5 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Analyst must also be familiar with other
Ova test methods which are also found in
this same document. Due to the
complexity in determining viable Ova, all
Ova identified will be considered viable.
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Table 2.2.1
Approved Methods For the Analysis of Biosolids (40 CFR Part 503) (Continued)
to
k>
I
Ul
i
g.
s
I
n_
s.
¦8
1
Pollutant
Analysis Method Description
Maximum Holding Time
Sample Preservation
Sample Container
Sample Preparation
Comments
Total, Fixed, and
Volatile Solids
SM-2540G
7 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Method 2540 G is the recommended
procedure for solid and semisolid samples.
Specific Oxygen
Uptake Rate (SOUR)
SM-2710 B
Perform as soon as possible
Plastic or Glass Container
Quite sensitive to sample temperature
variation and lag time between sample
collection and test initiation. Replicate
samples are suggested.
Total Volatile Acids
SM-5560 C
7 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Method C can be used as a control test for
anaerobic digestion even though it gives
somewhat variable recovery. Recovery
factors should be determined.
Total Phosphorus
SM-4500-P
28 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Pay close attention to sample preparation
requirements found in section 4500-P B.
PH
SW-9045
Immediate
No preservation
Plastic or Glass Container
Sample is mixed with a prescribed liquid
and pH determined with probe.
Temperature fluctuations may cause
measurement errors.
Conductivity
SW-9050
28 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Sample should be measured at 25°C or
temperature corrections made and results
reported at 25°C.
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Table 2.2.1
Approved Methods for the Analysis of Biosolids (40 CFR Part 503) (Continued)
Pollutant
Analysis Method Description
Maximum Holding Time
Sample Preservation
Sample Container
Sample Preparation
Comments
Total Kjeldahl
Nitrogen (TKN)
SM-4500-Norf
28 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Total kjeldahl nitrogen is the sum of
organic and ammonia nitrogen in a
sample. Sample digestion and distillation
are required and are included or
referenced in the method.
Ammonia Nitrogen
(NHj-N)
SM-4500-NHj
28 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
All samples must be distilled using
procedure SM-4500-NH3 B prior to
analysis by one of the specific analysis
procedures listed.
Nitrite Nitrogen
(NOrN)
SM-4500-N02
28 days
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Nitrite nitrogen is an intermediate
oxidation state of nitrogen and can be
converted by bacteria to N03' or NH3.
Analyze within holding time to prevent
this conversion.
Nitrate Nitrogen
(NOj-N)
SM-4500-NOj"
SW-846 Method 9200
48 hours
Cool 4°C
Plastic or Glass Container
Nitrate nitrogen is the fully oxidized state
of nitrogen. Organics may interfere with
the method.
Organo-chlorine
Pesticides and PCBs
Analysis procedure,
SW-846 Method 8080
Extraction procedure,
SW-846 Method 3540/3550
(Method used is dependent on acceptable
detection limits.)
14 days from collection.
Cool 4°C
Amber Glass Jar
Both the pesticides and PCBs are
bioaccumulative, stable and toxic.
Phthalate esters can pose a major
interference problem when using an EC
detector.
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Table 2.2.1
Approved Methods for (lie Analysis or Biosolids (40 CFR Part 503) (Continued)
Pollutant
Analysis Method Description
Maximum Holding Time
Sample Preservation
Sample Container
Sample Preparation
Comments
Semivolatile Organics
Analysis procedure,
SW-846 Method 8270
Extraction procedure,
SW-846 3640/3610/3611 /3620/3630/3650/3660
(Method used is dependent on acceptable
detection limits.)
14 days from collection.
Cool 4°C
Amber Glass Jar with Teflon
liner.
Method is used to quantify most B/N/A
organic compounds that are soluble in
methylene chloride. Such compounds
include polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
and pesticides, phthalate esters, ketones,
anilines, pyridines, quinolines, aromatic
nitro compounds and phenols.
Volatile Organics
Analysis procedure,
SW-846 Method 8240
Extraction procedure,
Purge and trap
14 days from collection.
Cool 4°C
Glass Jar with Teflon liner.
Method is used to quantify most volatile
organic compounds that have boiling
points below 200°C and that are insoluble
or slightly soluble in water. Such
compounds include low-molecular-weight
halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatics,
ketones, nitriles, acetates, acrylates,
ethers, and sulfides. The laboratory where
volatile analysis is performed should be
completely free of solvents.
I
8
| References:
o_
s.
| SM—Standard Methods For The Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th Edition. American Public Health Association, Washington, DC. 1992.
SW —Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, SW-846. EPA, November 1986.
ASTM—Standard Practice for Recovery of Viruses from Wastewater Sludge. Annual Book of ASTM Standards: Section 11, Water and Environmental
Technology, 1992.
Kenner—Kenner, B.A. and H.P. Clark. Detection and Enumeration of Salmonella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J. Water Pollution Control Federation,
46(9) :2163-2171, 1974.
Yanko—Yanko, W.A. Occurrence of Pathogens in Distribution and Marketing oj Municipal Sludges. EPA 600/1-87-014, 1987. NTIS PB 88-154273/AS
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2.2-8
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
2.3 In accordance with the Clean Water Act of 1987, EPA must include
SLUDGE sludge requirements in permits to protect the public health and
MANAGEMENT PLAN environment. To determine appropriate requirements for land
(RS/793/03/1) application, EPA needs information on current sludge handling and use
practices, and a 5-year sludge operating plan which describes the City's
sludge marketing area and planning procedures for new sites (Sludge
Management Plan). This information must be included with the
completed permit application. In addition, the plan acts as a blueprint
for planned sludge activities and is required to be developed by Part
503.
EPA will consult on the Plan's current practices and new site operating
procedures with the respective state's environmental program, and with
the offices of the USDA Soil Conservation Service and/or State
Extension Service in the counties where sludge may be marketed. EPA
will conduct public participation in the counties where sludge may be
marketed as part of the permitting process.
Upon approval of the Sludge Management Plan by EPA, the Sludge
Management Plan becomes an enforceable part of the permit. An
outline of the major plan elements is presented on the following pages.
2.3-1
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SLUDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN
As part of the NPDES permit application, submit to EPA a Sludge Management Plan (Plan). The
Plan includes current sludge practices and a 5-year sludge operating plan as listed below.
A. A description of the permittee's sludge production and any current and known future land
application sites.
B. A list of the counties (and states if applicable) where the permittee may want to market or
distribute its sludge over the life of the permit (5 years minimum). A copy of the plan must
be submitted to the respective State Health Department, and should be submitted to the State
Extension Service Office in the counties where sludge may be marketed.
C. Site selection criteria to be used when identifying new land application sites.
D. Site management practices being followed relating to, at a minimum: floodplain, slope, depth
to ground water, weather conditions, soil conditions (compaction, permeability, saturated,
frozen, snow-covered), site access, and protection of surface waters, wetlands, endangered
species, and underground drinking water sources at current sites; and operating procedures
(e.g., qualified soils consultant, Soil Conservation Service, State Extension Service) for
annual adjustments and for setting site management practices for future sites.
E. Buffer zones between sludge application sites and: surface waters, drinking water wells,
drainage ditches, property lines, residences, schools, playgrounds, airports, public roadways,
and any necessary site-specific buffer zones for current sites; and operating procedures (e.g.,
qualified soils consultant, Soil Conservation Service, State Extension Service) for making
annual adjustments and for setting buffer zones for future sites.
F. Storage provision for sludge during periods when sludge cannot be land applied.
G. Either Alternative Pollutant Limits, or maximum acceptable annual and total cumulative
application rates, expressed as kilograms per hectare (kg/ha), for (as a minimum) arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc; any other pollutants regulated
by the Part 503 rules.
H. Maximum acceptable sludge application rate to assure that the amount of sludge applied does
not exceed the nutrient requirements of the particular crop grown on the application site
(agronomic rates) for current year crops, and operating procedures (e.g., qualified soils
consultant, Soil Conservation Service, State Extension Service) for making annual agronomic
rate adjustments and for setting agronomic rates for future sites.
I. A description of the pathogen treatment, vector attraction control, record keeping,
monitoring, certifications, and notifications as required by the 40 CFR Part 503 regulations.
J. Reference to applicable regulations (40 CFR Part 503) and procedures the permittee intends to
use to ensure that the sludge practices and limits outlined are followed.
2.3-2
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K. Information described in 40 CFR 501.15(2) and and for Idaho, Section 16.01.02650,03 of
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Rules and Regulations, Title 1, Chapter 2, "Water
Quality Standards and Wastewater Treatment Requirements."
L. Public notice procedures and procedures for advanced notice to EPA (at least 60 days) of
proposed new land application sites.
M. Procedures, or copies of documents specifying procedures (e.g., contracts) that will be used
to ensure compliance with this permit and applicable regulations if the permittee contracts
with others for assistance to select and/or manage the land application sites itself.
N. Contingency plans that describe sludge disposal options for any sludge which does not meet
the requirements for land application or exceeds storage capacity.
O. A statement (e.g., city ordinance) that the permittee will comply with the Sludge Management
Plan, as approved by EPA.
P. A statement that the Plan will be amended to reflect any applicable practices or limits EPA
promulgates pursuant to Section 405 of the Act.
2.3-3
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—AIPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X —NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
2.4
PUBLIC RELATIONS
(RS/793/04/1)
Any POTW that has attempted to use sewage sludge (or, for public
relation purposes, biosolids) in a beneficial manner has probably run
into some sort of public relations problem. Uninformed citizens, or
citizens with inaccurate information, can make this practice extremely
difficult—if not impossible. If you dispose of biosolids currently, or
intend to do so in the future, the following pages of this section may be
helpful in establishing a good public relations program. Although the
two methods presented are very different in form, the end result is the
same—a well informed public is the key to your program. You will
notice that the word "information" is repeated throughout both
approaches. It is essential that the information you are providing is as
accurate and complete as possible. Supplying incorrect or incomplete
information will make your job that much tougher.
The first approach was written by Steve Putman of the City of Fort
Collins Wastewater Treatment Division. It is presented in an informal
manner that highlights the key areas to a successful public relations
program without reading like a textbook. The keys to this successful
program were developed through hands-on experience in the land
application of municipal sewage sludge. Mr. Putman's strategy is
reproduced from overheads presented during a recent sludge course.
The second approach is a more formal version that was obtained from
the EPA Process Design Manual, Land Application of Municipal Sludge.
This approach goes into greater detail and presents the many individual
components of a good program. You may find one of the approaches
more to your liking,or you may prefer a combination of the two.
2.4-1
Printed on recycled paper
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Credit: Steve Putman, City of Fort Collins WWTP
SLUDGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
COURSE, "PUBLIC RELATIONS NOTES"
STEVE PUTNAM, CITY OF FT. COLLINS
CHECK YOUR ROLE, COMMUNICATE WITH
SUPERIORS AND CO-WORKERS, RESOLVE
INFORMATION FLOW WITHIN YOUR GROUP
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROJECT.
"BE THE FIRST SOURCE OF INFORMATION, BE
THE BEST SOURCE OF INFORMATION"
-HANS AND ANNAMARIE BLEIKER-
DON'T MINCE WORDS - SAY PROCESSED
SEWAGE SLUDGE, THEN POSSIBLY SAY,
WHICH WE CALL BIOSOLIDS. DISCUSS
METALS, ORGANICS AND PATHOGENS IN
YOUR SLUDGE RIGHT AWAY.
2.4-2
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KEEP OTHER EFFECTED AGENCIES
INFORMED, THEY CAN BE A FIRST LINE OF
DEFENSE, AND IT CAN BE VERY AWKWARD
FOR THEM IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU
ARE DOING.
COUNTY HEALTH
STATE HEALTH
USEPA, REGION 8
PLANNING & ZONE
SOIL CONSERV. SERV.
FOREST SERVICE
EXTENSION SERVICE
LOCAL MEDIA
OTHERS SPECIFIC TO YOUR PROJECT
IF YOU GET CALLS FROM THE MEDIA, SPEND
SOME TIME WITH THEM. GIVE THEM A
RESOURCE PACKAGE IF YOU HAVE SOME
THINGS AVAILABLE (BROCHURES. ANNUAL
REPORTS, VIDEOS, ETC.). A WELL INFORMED
REPORTER MAY BE ;YOUR BEST CHANCE TO
COMMUNICATE WITH A LARGE PORTION OF
THE PUBLIC.
ALL OF THIS IS DIFFICULT, BUT WHAT IS
WORSE IS SPENDING TIME AND RESOURCES,
AND EXPECTING TO HAVE A SITE ... AND
FINDING OUT NEAR WHAT YOU THOUGHT
WAS THE END ... IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF
DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC.
2.-4-3
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SUCCESS MAY DEPEND ON GETTING 25% OR
SO OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST OPPOSED
TO YOUR PROJECT TO GRUDGINGLY ACCEPT
IT.
REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT
TERRITORIAL DISTANCES. IN THE COUNTY,
3 TO 4 MILES MAY BE NEXT DOOR.
AVOID ODORS LIKE: THE PLAGUE, YOU MAY
THINK THEY ARE NOT THAT BAD. BUT
NOBODY ELSE WILL! ALSO MINIMIZE DUST,
BOTH FROM TRUCK TRAFFIC, AND FROM
BLOWING SOIL, ETC.
MOST CONCERNS WILL REVOLVE AROUND:
ODOR
POTENTIAL FOR DUST AND WIND BORNE
CONTAMINATION
SURFACE WATER POLLUTION FROM RUNOFF
GROUND WATER POLLUTION
SOIL, PLANT, OR ANIMAL CONTAMINATION
PATHOGENS
THESE THINGS WILL BOTHER PEOPLE AT
SURPRISING DISTANCES FROM YOUR SITE.
-------
INVITE AGENCIES: AND PEOPLE TO TOUR
YOUR FACILITIES. LET THEM SEE THAT YOU
REALLY DO PROCESS SEWAGE AND TREAT
THE SLUDGE BEFORE IT IS LAND APPLIED.
ONE EFFECTIVE WAY TO REACH OTHER
PEOPLE IS TO ATTEND THEIR MEETINGS, AS
LONG AS YOU THINK YOU CAN GET OUT
ALIVE.
WORRY OUT LOUD ABOUT CONCERNS YOU
MAY HAVE, OR CONCERNS YOU THINK
OTHER PEOPLE MAY HAVE.
ASK ALL OF THE PEOPLE YOU CONTACT IF
THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE YOU SHOULD BE
CONTACTING.
BE AWARE OF YOUR IMAGE. A CLEAN,
WELL KEPT OPERATION IS ESPECIALLY
IMPORTANT WHEN WORKING WITH SLUDGE.
OPERATE CLEARLY MARKED UNITS, AND
OPERATE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS.
2.4-5
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EPA-625/1-83-016. pg 3-1
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
3.1 Introduction
A community's willingness to cooperate with a sludge-to-land application
project varies with its perceptions of the project's potential benefits
and costs. For a land application project to gain public acceptance,
the community must determine that the benefits are greater than any pos-
sible or perceived burdens (e.g., odors, noise, truck traffic, etc.).
A major public acceptance barrier which has surfaced in many documented
case studies is the widely held perception that sludge is maloaorous,
highly contaminated, and otherwise repulsive. Experience has shown that
such public apprehension can be partially allayed through public educa-
tion campaigns, adequate planning, and, most importantly, small demon-
stration or pilot programs (1).
Planning for public participation in a land application project involves
careful and early evaluation of who should be involved, to what degree,
ana for what purpose. Clearly defined objectives will simplify deci-
sions, and will help to keep the program from becoming too diffused and
ineffective. The following discussion presents a summary of the major
considerations necessary to implement a successful program. A more de-
tailed discussion of public participation programs is presented in Ref-
erence (5). Potential mitigation of public acceptance problems is dis-
cussed in Reference (1).
3.1.1 Objectives
The major objectives of a public participation program include:
1. Providing the community with sufficient technical information
to clearly define the advantages and disaavantages of the pro-
posed project. Technical information should be presented in an
easily understandable manner to ensure communication between
the public, engineer, planner, consultant, regulatory, and
other officials.
2. Convincing landowners who are potential participants that it is
in their best interest to participate in the project.
3. Correcting any misinformation that exists within the community.
4. Keeping the community informed of plans as they develop.
5. Soliciting suggestions and support from both the proposed proj-
ect participants and their neighbors.
2.4-6
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Most programs will aim at the first of these objectives, and many will
pursue the second and third. The fourth ana fifth objectives, taken in
conjunction with the first three, suggest a willingness to involve the
community, to listen to and use their suggestions, ana to make the pub-
lic part of the planning team. The perspective of the engineering/plan-
ning team should be one of cooperation rather than confrontation.
3.1.2 Elements of Successful Public Involvement Programs
One should begin with the existing sludge management system and the need
to change it. Citizens should be told how the wastewater treatment pro-
cess functions, and what it means to the community. Sludge should be
defined, along with an explanation of where it originates and its compo-
sition and volume before and after treatment. Sludge management should
be related to the public's demand for clean water (2).
Agency and other project personnel should be trained in public contact.
Personnel should be well prepared to translate technical concepts into
simple, clear terms; they should also be prepared to deal with hostile
audiences. The attitudes displayed by project staff memoers do much to
create credibility or engender hostility.
The public's real concerns should be identified. Often, publicly ex-
pressed concerns mask the real reasons for opposition. For example,
property owners adjacent to a sludge application site may sound alarms
about ground water pcilution when their major concern is actually prop-
erty value depreciation (2).
3.1.3 Participants
It is essential that a group of knowledgeable and enthusiastic resource
people participate in a lana application program. This group should in-
clude the following participants (9):
• University staff ana federal and state experts who can provide
valuaDle research and technical information on land applica-
tion of sludge, and whose credibility usually reauces concern
and misunderstanding among concerned individuals or groups.
• POTW managers and city officials who can provide background
information on municipal sludge problems.
o Local or state cooDerative extension staff who can assist in
the organizational aspects of community meetings.
t Various agency personnel, including health officials, soil
conservation staff, state environmental protection staff,
etc., who will express tneir concerns and policies as they in-
fluence the design of a proposed project.
2.4-7
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Other local organizations/persons who should be involved in the envelop-
ment of a land application project can include:
e Recipients (e.g., farmers, tree growers, mine landowners,
etc.) who will use the sludge, and their neighbors.
• Consulting engineers, and waste management firms.
• Fanning, forestry, mining, and other local organizations,
e.g., Farm Bureau, Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
• Crop processors and produce users (via business, trade, and
consumer organizations).
• News/communications media.
The actual project participants, whether on an active or an informa-
tional basis, will vary with the choice of land application option. In
each case, a broad spectrum of participants should be considered early
in the project. The number of participants can be narrowed later, as
necessary.
3.1.4 Methods
A number of methods are available for communicating the need for and
feasibility of a proposed project, and the technical information needed
to understand the project and to gain the support of individuals within
the community. Not all will be needed in all cases.
The information transfer process must address all of the advantages and
oisaavantaaes of siuaae use on iano. Any potential proDiem wnicn is not
puoiiciy aaaressea at the outset of a project will likely be brougnt to
the attention of the media, resulting in the possible reduction of pub-
lic support and the loss of the project leadership's credibility.
3.1.4.1 Formal Methods
• Public hearings or meetings may be required and/or desirable
for most types of projects.
• Workshops can bring together professional planners and public
officials with landowners and others who will be directly in-
volved. Specialized workshops, sucn as one involving land-
owners who have expressed tentative interest and others who
have already participated in a similar project, may be espe-
cial ly beneficial.
• An Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from local
government, consumer/business organizations, environmental
protection organizations, processors, and planners, can be
useful for maintaining contact with both the general public
2.4-8
-------
ana interested organizations. Such a committee should be
formed early in the planning stages. Its meetings should be
scheduled such that there is time for its views to be heard
and carefully considered before final decisions are made.
• A mailing list is helpful for disseminating information as the
project proceeds. All interested persons and organizations
should be included. The list should be kept current, and a
continuing effort should be made to keep all who are inter-
ested informed.
• Advertising and public relations techniques, such as press re-
leases, pamphlets, and brochures; and radio, television, or
newspaper feature stories and advertisements.
3.1.4.2 Informal Methods
• Open meetings, less structured than public hearings or work-
shops, can be held in conjunction with meetings of an Advisory
Committee or other interested organizations, such as the Town
Council, etc. These meetings provide a more relaxed forum for
the exchange of information and views. They also offer the
professional planner/engineer with an ideal opportunity to
listen to the community and to become aware of misinformation
which may exist concerning potential proDlems associated with
land application of sludge.
• Personal contacts or interviews with potential participants
may be the most effective means of soliciting participation.
Contacts can be made in cooperation with local planners or
county extension agents who are already familiar with the com-
munity.
0 Demonstrations and field days can create opportunities for the
public to see sludge utilized as a resource. Allowing peode
to see, feel, and smell treated, stabilized sludge can often
be good public relations.
• Traveling displays can be set up to inform the puDlic in a
visually interesting manner; these displays can be moved to
such locations as public libraries, shopping centers, etc.
(2).
3.1.5 Timing
A public participation program should begin very early in the develop-
ment of a proposed project, and should continue throughout the oroject.
All persons concerned should have the opportunity to express their views
before any decisions affecting the general public are made. They should
then be kept informed and involved throughout the course of the project.
2.4-9
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3.2 Public Participation Considerations Specific to Agricultural Utili-
zation
Project implementation requires acceptance and approval by local offi-
cials, farmers, landowners, and other affected parties. Public resis-
tance to agricultural utilization of sludge can stem from fear that the
sludge may contain concentrations of organic or inorganic substances
that could be toxic to plants, or accumulate in animals or humans con-
suming crops grown on sludge-treated lands.
The most critical aspect of the program is securing the involvement of
farmers who will utilize the sludge. How this involvement is to be
secured during the planning process depends on the individual communi-
ties" involved; their past experience with sludge application systems;
overall public acceptance of the concept; and the extent to which re-
lated or tangential environmental concerns are voiced in the community.
Generally, a low-key approach is most effective. The various approaches
can consist of one or more of the following steps:
• Check with the POTW to see if any local farmers have requested
sludge in the past.
• Have the local Soil Conservation Service or agricultural ex-
tension service agent poll various individuals in the area for
expressions of interest.
• Describe the project in the local newspaper, asking interested
parties to contact the extension agent.
t Personally visit the identified parties ana solicit their par-
ticipation. A telephone contact will elicit little support
unless followed by a personal visit.
The use of demonstration plots is very effective in promoting the utili-
zation of sewage sludge by farmers. If farmers can compare crops grown
on sludge-treated soil with these grown with conventional fertilizer,
their willingness to use sludge will increase markedly (3). The follow-
ing questions regarding sludge utilization need to be discussed with
landowners:
• How long is the landowner willing to participate (e.g., a
trial period of 1 or more years; open-enaed participation;
until one or both parties decide to quit; for a prescribed
period of time)?
• What crops are traditionally planted, and what is the usual
crop rotation?
• If the sludge characteristics were such that a different crop
is desirable, would the landowner be willing to plant that
crop?
2.4-10
-------
0 Which fields would be included in the sludge application pro-
gram?
e Under what conditions would the landowner accept the sludge,
what time of the year, and in what quantities?
• Is the landowner willing to pay a nominal fee for the sludge,
or accept it free of charge, or must the municipality pay the
landowner for accepting sludge?
• Is the landowner willing to engage in special procedures,
e.g., maintaining soil pH at 6.5 or greater?
The public relations program should emphasize both the benefits and the
potential problems of applying sludge on cropland.
3.3 Public Participation Considerations Specific to Forest Utilization
No operational full-scale forest application programs in the United
States were identified at the time this manual was preDarea in 1982,
although there were a few such programs planned for implementation in
the near future. Thus, proponents of a new program will have obvious
handicaps in gaining acceptance of new, relatively unproven sludge ap-
plication techniques. On the positive side, proponents can empnasize
the successful forest application demonstration projects listed in Table
7-1, and the basic similarities between forest application and agricul-
tural application.
To help achieve acceptance, a forest application program should satis-
factorily address the following questions:
• How will public access be controlled in the application area
for an appropriate period (normally 12 to 18 months) after
sludge application? Forested areas are often used for various
recreational activities (e.g., picnicking, hiking, gathering
of forest products, etc.). Even privately owned land is often
viewed by the public as accessible for these purposes. The
owner of the land, private or public, will have to agree to a
method for controlling public access (e.g., fence, chain with
signs, etc.). The public, through its representatives, must
agree to restrictions if the land is publicly owned.
• Will public water supplies and recreational water resources be
adequately protected against contamination? This concern
should be covered by proper siting, system design, and moni-
toring. Public health authorities and regulatory agencies
must be satisfied and involved in the public participation
program. Careful consideration must be given to municipal
watersheds and/or drinking water recnarge areas to avoid con-
tamination.
2.4-11
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• Will the applied sludge cause adverse effects to the existing
or future trees in the application area? Based on the avail-
able data from research and demonstration projects, many tree
species, with few exceptions, respond positively to sludge ap-
plication, provided the sludge is not abnormally high in
detrimental constituents, and proper management practices are
followed.
• Unlike most agricultural applications, there is much less con-
cern about possible food chain transmission of contaminants to
man. The consumption of wild animals by hunters and their
families will occur, but there is little potential for contam-
ination of meat from such animals through contact with a prop-
erly managed sludge application area.
3.4 Public Participation Considerations Specific to Disturbed Lands
Prior to the initiation of any reclamation project using sludge, it will
likely be necessary to educate the public to gain public acceptability.
The task may be difficult with lands disturbed by mining, because local
opposition to mining activity already exists in many cases. This is
particularly true if the mining activity has already created some ad-
verse environmental problems, such as reduced local ground water qual-
ity, acid mine drainage, or serious soil erosion and sedimentation of
local streams.
Citizens, regulatory agencies, and affected private business entities
need to participate in the planning process from the beginning. The
most effective results are usually achieved when industry, citizens,
planners, elected officials, ana state and federal agencies share their
exDerience, knowledge, and goals, and jointly create a plan acceDtable
to all.
Participation of local advisory groups is helpful. This procedure was
usea successfully in developing the Pennsylvania program for using
sludge for reclamation of mined land. The Pennsylvania advisory grouD
was composed of farmers, elected officials, representatives from the
Soil Conservation District, Game Commission, Bureau of Forestry, the
County Extension Agent, and Community Resources Agents. This grouD met
quarterly with project personnel, and independently monitored several of
the pilot demonstration sludge projects over a 2-year period. The re-
sults of their indeoendent monitoring study, which included analyses of
sludge delivered to several sites, vegetation, soils, and water, con-
vinced them that the conceDt was technically sound and environmentally
safe. All demonstrations were highly successful and paved the way for
public acceptance of full-scale operations which are now under way in
Pennsylvania.
Obviously, important participants are the owners of the disturbed land.
For a continuing program, it is usually necessary to make contractual
arrangements with the owner(s) to ensure that the areas of disturbed
2.4-12
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land needed for sludge application will be available during future years
of project operation.
3.5 Public Participation Considerations Specific to Dedicated Land
Disposal
Virtually all proposed dedicated land disposal (DLD) projects will
undergo an extensive public participation process. The project propo-
nents should show that the DLD option is the most suitable project
alternative in terms of economics, technical feasibility, and environ-
mental impact.
Since DLD sites are normally intended for long-term use, adjacent prop-
erty owners will be particularly concerned about potential oaors, patho-
gens, vectors, noise, dust, traffic, aesthetics, and other factors af-
fecting their quality of life and the resale value of their property.
Proper design and operational management will help to eliminate or mini-
mize these concerns. A large buffer area around the sludge application
area is usually desirable.
3.6 References
1. Deese, P. L., J. R. Miyares, and S. F-:qel. Institutional Con-
straints and Public Participation Barrier: :o Utilization of Munici-
pal Wastewater and Sludge for Land Reclamation ana Biomass Produc-
tion. A Report to the President's Council on Environmental Quality,
December 1980. 104 pp. (EPA 430/9-81-013; July 1981) MCD-81.
2. Gibbs, C. V. How to Build Support for Public Projects. American
City and County, December 1982. pp. 38-42.
3. Miller, R. H., T. L. Logan, D. L. Forester, ana D. K. White. Fac-
tors Contributing to the Success of Land Application Programs for
Municipal Sewage Sludge: The Ohio Experience. Presented at the
Water Poll. Control Fed. Annual Conference, Detroit, Micnigan, Octo-
ber 4-9, 1981.
4. Sagik, B. P., B. E. Moore, and C. A. Sorber. Public Health Aspects
Related to the Land Application of Municipal Sewage Effluents and
Sludges. In: Utilization of Municipal Sewage Effluent ana Sludge
on Forest and Disturbed Land. W. E. Sopper, and S. M. Kerr, eds.
Pennsylvania State University Press, 1979. pp. 241-263.
5. U.S. EPA. Process Design Manual for Municipal Sludge Landfills.
EPA 625/1-78-010, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati,
Ohio, 1979.
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V1LI—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heatherington
One of the typical misconceptions about sewage sludge is that it contains
a spectrum of toxic or "heavy" metals and may be bad for you, as well
as for the land on which it is applied. You will also notice that 40 CFR
Part 503 refers to these same metals as pollutants or contaminants.
Most citizens know that many of these metals are plant nutrients
essential for growth, but believe that the concentrations typically found
in sludge are too high to be beneficial to plants. By reading 40 CFR
Part 503, you notice that it is the concentration of metals in the sludge
that limits where and how much sludge can be land applied.
Some of the many issues facing the development of this regulation were:
the scope of the regulation; pollutant coverage; pathways of exposure;
target organisms; type of risks; acceptable level of risk; background
pollutant levels; and pollutant limits.1 In regard to micronutrients vs.
toxic metals, the pollutant coverage, acceptable level of risk, and
pollutant limits were key issues. Without going into great detail, you
should be aware that the metal limits were developed after in-depth
considerations of human health and environmental risks associated with
the land application of sewage sludge. The actual limits found in Tables
1 - 4 of Part 503.13 have been set at levels that are within an acceptable
level of risk. If the metals concentration in the sludge is below the limit
for its respective use, then it is believed that the sludge will not harm
either human health or the environment.
The following article, written by Gary Wegner, a Washington farmer,
and presented at a WEF conference on Biosolids in 1992, presents a
first hand description of the benefits his crops have received from the
application of bio-solids. The crux of his article can be summarized in
the following passage,
"Eight essential plant nutrients are in the category we call
'heavy metals.' In fact, these nutrients are also essential
'human nutrients'. Just take a look at the label of a
CENTRUM bottle. CENTRUM 'High Potency Multivitamin.
Multimineral Formula', from A to Zinc."2
Following the article is a reference section which may be helpful in
supplying your needs for additional information regarding
micronutrients vs. toxic metals.
'40 CFR Part 503 Preamble, pages 15 - 18.
2Wegner, Gary. The Benefits of BIOSOLIDS, from a farmers perspective.
2.5
MICRO-NUTRIENTS
VS. TOXIC METALS
(RS/793/05/1)
2.5-1
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"From WEF 1992 Biosolids conference held in Portland Oregon. Reprinted with permission."
The Benef d. "t s
<=>£ BIOSOL-IDS,
f r-om a farmers perspect. d_ ve
Gary Wegner
Werner Ranch
F? *t . 1- Box 8
Rear-dan, W A. .
I welcome you as a representative of American Agriculture.
As professionals involved in wastewater management, YOU can now
also be part of the food chain for our nation. I believe that is
good.
Today, in the United States, about one percent of the nation's
population produces ninety five percent of the food needed by our
country. People who grow food are usually called farmers. But
farmers are just part of the food "production and delivery" chain
in the U.S.A.
Does any one know what percent of the Chinese population is
dedicated to food production? The answer is eighty percent. I
bring you that statistic, not because I read it out of an old book.
I bring it to you because I had a man from China visit my farm in
1991, and he verified that eighty percent is currently correct.
To get back to our own United States, if we were to tally up all of
the people Involved in the food "production and delivery" chain, we
would include people who work to provide nutrients to enhance our
nation's soils; we would include truck drivers who move products;
we would include the people who work in a corn-flake factory; and
we would include the pretty lady at the check-out counter of your
favorite supermarket. Including ail of those people in our food
"production and delivery" chain, we would have about twenty percent
of the U. S. population.
What have we discovered? In China, eighty percent of the
population is dedicated to food production. In the U.S.A., eighty
percent of the population is free to pursue the enhancement of
society, develop public services and do many other things to
improve our quality of life. The cheapest and most abundant food
supply in the world is the key to the success of the United States.
With that introduction, I would like to share with you my
perspective on the benefits of bioaollda from my farm near Reardan,
Washington.
2.5-2
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Since the spring of 19S8, the City of Spokane has applied biosollds
to over twelve-hundred acres of our farmland. Two hundred and
fifty of those acres have received two applications. Our average
rainfall Is fifteen inches per year. The dewatered biosollds are
applied at an average rate of 4.5 dry tons per acre, <22.5 wet
tons) per acre.
~rgan±c Matter
The main reason I need biosollds is to provide organic matter to my
soil. . . . BUT an application of biosollds does NOT increase my soil
organic matter significantly when it is applied. The significant
difference is seen in increased crop residue that results from
higher crop yield that are grown on that soil, which provides
"increased nutrient availability*.
Organic matter is an important soil constituent which influences
virtually all chemical, biological and physical processes that
occur in the soil.
Base cations
Water Holding
Capacity
i
Herbicides
Fauna
Carbc
' Matter J
Erodibility
Structure
Microbes
Plant Nutrients
Source
Solubility
Figure 1. Organic matter* impacts on soil chemical and
biological factors.
2.5-3
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Organic matter supplies plant nutrients during the mineralization
process (microbial conversion of organic compounds to inorganic
molecules that are available for plant uptake). This is a
particularly Important source of nitrogen , copper (Cu>,
manganese (Mn) and P by forming organic complexes which increase
their availability.
Organic matter also contributes to the cation exchange capacity of
a soil, providing sites for the retention of basic cations such as
potassium
-------
The aoila on my farm are deficient in zinc (Zn). After I apply
biaaolids, my aoila are NOT deficient in zinc. Bioaolida la a
vitamin pill for my cropa. You can aee the difference. Note the 21
Essential Plant Nutrients illustrated in figure 2.
The beat gauge of vhat haa been accompliahed by a change in a aoil,
ia to observe how plants reapond. The same basic obaervationa can
be uaed for a flower in a flower pot, or a barley plant in my
field. Haa the "green leaf" color changed? Haa root growth been
enhanced? Has the rate of growth, and general vigor of the plant
changed? Let's look at some examples of how plants have responded
to bioaolida on my farm.
Figure 3. Observation of plant leaves, roots and vigor.
There are many reasons why I believe that dryland grain land is an
optimum location for utilizing hioaolids. But before I elaborate,
please let me make a two points that I feel are extremely
important.
Two Slapto* Bariay aaadlinga takan 25 faat apart, attar 37 daya
of growth. Tha plant on tha latt racalvad alanaard ammonia
familiar, tha plant on tha right bioaolida.
2.5-5
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Blosollds px-o-viLcie many to & ri e £ ±. -fc. &
for F" arm 1 and .
B±osoJL±cda benefit. the <= d_ -fc y wher-e
they ea x-d_ gr :i. xi &-fc e .
If you are Involved in a wastewater program that considers "sludge
disposal" a "necessary evil", your program will not work. Your
mind-set must be to find the best possible option for the
utilization of your biosolids. This may not always be your least
cost option, but is should be the best option for the environment,
and the long-term needs of the community you represent. The words
sludge, disposal, dumping, etc. must be eliminated from our
vocabulary.
If you are involved in a wastewater program that considers
biosolids distribution as a process that is enhanced by your
involvement, then, and only then, are you on your way to a
beneficial program. Your beneficial use program will be good for
the farm that receives the biosolids, and the nation that consumes
the food that is grown on that land.
Figure A. Nutrient Transfer Plan
2.5-6
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One long-term objective worth considering, is what I call the
"Nutrient Transfer Plan" (illustrated in figure 4.). The basic
concept is a simple one. Remove lagoon solids from lagoons
(dewater if cost effective) and haul it to the nearest secondary
treatment plant, so that it can be "homogenized", in an anaerobic
digester, and then dewatered and delivered to year-round
agricultural utilization programs. This program would help to
provide capacity in lagoons that now will not accept septage
because of space limitations. This plan would assist small and
medium sized communities with what is a very large, long term
problem. Emptying lagoons in this manner has several advantages:
1 - Present an organized program for moving nutrients from lagoons,
to secondary treatment plants, and then to farmland.
2- Relieve the "septage crisis"
(septage with no place to go).
3- Encourage the production of "high quality", consistent biosolids
(treated sewage sludge that meets all EPA requirements for land
application), which facilitates a quality farmland application
program.
4- Provide the best alternative for small and medium sized
communities to empty their lagoons.
Non-irrigated grain farms
Non-irrigated (dryland) grain farms can be found in almost every
part of this country. Normally the soils found on a dryland grain
farm are depleted in the nutrients you can provide with biosolids.
The potential for "perceived" erosion, and/or leaching are
relatively low on a dryland grain farm. The crops raised on my
dryland grain farm include, wheat, barley, oats and canola, but
nationwide would also include corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, rye,
triticale, millet, milo and rapeseed.
On September 3, 1991, I completed my harvest. My primary crop in
1991 was Steptoe barley. I had 425 acres of barley grown on land
that had received biosolids some time since 1988 ana 315 acres of
barley that had never received biosolids. The yield of the
"biosolids barley" was 1,080 pounds MORE per acre that the other
barley. My average yield on our dryland "biosolids barley", on the
425 acres, was 3,040 pounds .er acre.
I believe that if you will take to the time to review the basic
information about soil nutrition and the composition and uses for
biosolids; you will be able to understand what my barley and wheat
plants have been telling me since 1988:
PLANTS LIKE BIOSOLIDS.
2.5-7
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MICRONUTRIENTS VS. TOXIC METALS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Robb 0.A. and W.S. Pierpoint. 1983. Metals and Micronutrients:
Uptake and Utilization by Plants.
Soil Science Society of America. 1972. Micronutirents In
Agriculture; Proeedings Of A Symposium held at Muscle Shoats,
Alabama, April 20-22, 1971, and cosponsored by the Tennessee Valley
Authority and The Soil Science Society of America.
Stevenson, F.J. 1986. Cycles Of Soil: Carbon, Nitrogen,
Phosphorus, Sulfur, Micronutirients.
U.S. Crop Reporting Board. November 1976. Commercial Fertilizers:
Consumptionof Commercial Fertilizers, Primary Plant Nutrients, and
Micronutrients.
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V' 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
2.6
PATHOGEN AND
VECTOR
ATTRACTION
REDUCTION
METHODS
(RS/793/06/1)
In 1979, the development of 40 CFR Part 257, Criteria for
Classification for Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Practices,
addressed the concerns of pathogen and disease vectors in sewage
sludge. Appendix II of Part 257 established specific treatment processes
for pathogen and vector attraction reduction. These processes were
referred to as "Processes to Significantly Reduce Pathogens" (PSRP)
and "Processes to Further Reduce Pathogens" (PFRP). In addition to
PSRP and PFRP processes, 40 CFR Part 503 Subpart D establishes
additional methods and requirements for adequate pathogen and vector
attraction reduction techniques.
For a complete understanding as to why and how the pathogen and
vector attraction reduction methods are necessary, you should refer to
the EPA document Technical Support Document for Reduction of
Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge (EPA 822/R-93-004,
Nov. 1992). However, a few points can be made here. The pathogens;
fecal coliform bacteria, enteric viruses, Salmonella, and helminth ova,
were selected because, although there are many pathogens present in
sewage sludge, usually a surrogate organism can be identified more
easily. The surrogate organism is then used as an indication for the
remaining similar organisms. This is the case for the four pathogens
selected for Part 503.
The fact that diseases are associated with vectors is well-known, and
". . . the transport of vectors can play a major role in disease
transmission. The health risk to humans and animals posed by this
transmission route can be reduced substantially by reducing the
attractiveness of sewage sludge to vectors."' Therefore, multiple
methods for the reduction of vector attraction have been developed and
incorporated into Part 503.
For 40 CFR Part 503 purposes, pathogen and vector attraction reduction
can be accomplished by any of the following summarized alternatives.
The alternatives are presented on the following page and the complete
requirements are presented in Part 503 Subpart D. Also, a listing of
PFRP and PSRP equivalents is presented.
1Technical Support Document for Reduction of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge. (EPA 822/R-93-004, Nov
1992), pg 2-28.
2.6-1
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The following is merely a summary of the pathogen and vector attraction reduction methods and was
intended to be a quick reference guide to the available options. You are strongly encouraged to read
the entire Subpart D—Pathogen and Vector Attraction Reduction of 40 CFR Part 503 for detailed
explanations of the following.
PATHOGEN REDUCTION OPTIONS
Class A Pathogen Reduction
Alt 1 - Time and Temperature
Alt 2 - pH, Temperature and Time
Alt 3 - One time demonstration correlating pathogen levels and operating parameters
Alt 4 - Concentrations of enteric viruses and helminth ova
Alt 5 - Processes to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP)
1. Composting
2. Heat drying
3. Heat treatment
4. Thermophilic aerobic digestion
5. Beta ray irradiation
6. Gamma ray irradiation
7. Pasteurization
Alt 6 - Equivalent to PFRP (see following page)
In addition all six alternatives include pathogen levels for fecal coliform and Salmonella.
Class B Pathogen Reduction
Alt 1 - Density of fecal coliform
Alt 2 - Processes to Significantly Reduce Pathogens (PSRP)
1. Aerobic Digestion
2. Air drying
3. Anaerobic digestion
4. Composting
5. Lime stabilization
Alt 3 - Equivalent to PSRP (see following page)
VECTOR ATTRACTION REDUCTION (VAR) OPTIONS
VAR Methods for Preparers of Sewage Sludge
Alt 1 - 38% volatile solids reduction
Alt 2 - Lab demonstration of volatile solids reduction anaerobically
Alt 3 - Lab demonstration of volatile solids reduction aerobically
Alt 4 - SOUR <• 1.5 mg 0;/hour/g total solids
Alt 5 - Aerobic digestion for 14 days at > 40°C
Alt 6 - pH S 12
Alt 7-75 percent solids
Alt 8-90 percent solids
VAR Methods for Appliers of Sewage Sludge
Alt 9 - Injection below land surface
Alt 10 - Incorporation into soil
2.6-2
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Excerpted from: "Environmental Regulations and Technology - Control of Pathogens
in Municipal Wastewater Sludge", USEPA Center for Environmental
Research Information, Cincinnati, OH. Sept 1989, pg 27.
Processes Determinea to Be Equivalent to PSRP or PFRP
Operator Process Oescnooon
Status
Town of Tellunoe.
Colorado
Comprenensve
Materials
Management. Inc.,
Houston. Texas
N-Viro Energy
Systems Ltd..
Toledo, Ohio
Public Works
Department, Everett.
Washington
Haikey Creek
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Tulsa. Oklahoma
Ned K. Burleson &
Associates. Inc.. Fort
Worm, Texas
Scarborough Sanitary
District Scaroorougn,
Maine
Mount Holly Sewage
Autnorrty, Mount
Holly, New Jersey
N-Viro Energy
Systems Ltd..
Toledo. Ohio
Miami-Dade Water
and Sewer Authority,
Miami, Flonda
Combination oxidation aitch. aerated storage, and drying process. Sludge is treated in an PSRP
oxidation ditch tor at least 26 days and then stored in an aerated holding tank for up to a week.
Following dewatenng to 18% solids, the sludge is dned on a paved surface to a depth of 2 feet
The sludge is turned over dunng drying. After drying to 30% solids, the sludge is stockpiled prior
to land application. Together, the drying and stockpiling steps take approximately 1 year. To
ensure that PSRP requirements are met the stockpiling penod must mciude one full summer
season.
Use of cement kiln dust (instead of lime) to treat sludge by raising sludge pH to at least 12 after
2 hours of contact Dewatered sludge is mixed with cement kiln dust in an enclosed system and
then hauled off for land application.
Use of cement kiln dust and lime kiln dust (instead of lime) to treat sludge by raising the oH.
Sufficient lime or kiln dust is added to sludge to produce a pH of 12 for at least 12 hours of
contact
Anaerobic digestion of lagooned sludge. Suspended solids had accumulated m a 30-acre
aerated lagoon that had been used to aerate wastewater. The lengtny detention time m the
lagoon (up to 15 years) resulted in a level of treatment exceeding that proviaed by conventional
anaerooic digestion. The percentage of fresn or relatively unstabilizeo sludge was very small
compared to the rest of the accumulation (prooably mucn less than i°o of the whole).
Oxidation ditch treatment plus storage. Sludge is processed in aeration basins followeo by
storage in aerated sluage noiamg tanks. The total sludge aeration time is greater man me
aerobic oigesuon operating conditions specified m the Federal regulations of 40 days at 20°C
(68°F) to 60 days at 15°C (59°F). The oxidation ditch sludge is then storea in batcnes for at
least 45 days in an unaeratea condition or 30 days under aerated conamons.
Aerobic digestion for 20 days at 30°C (86°F) or 15 days at 35°C (95°F).
PSRP
National
PSRP
PSRP
PSRP
PSRP
Static pile aerated "comoosting" operation that uses fly ash from a paper company sis a bulking PFRP
agent The process creates oile temoeratures of 60° to 70°C (140° to 158°F) within 24 nours
and maintains these temoeratures lor up to 14 days. The matenai is stockpiled after 7 to 14
days of "composting ' and then marketed.
Zimpro 50-gpm low-oressure wet air oxidation process. The process involves heating raw PFRP
pnmary sluage to 177° to 204"C (350° to 400°F) in a reaction vessel under pressures of 250
to 400 psig for 15 to 30 minutes. Small volumes of air are mtroduceo into tne process to oxiaize
the organic solids.
Advanced alkaline stabilization with subseouent accelerated drying. National
• Alternative i: Fine alkaline matenals (cement kiln dust lime Kiln dust quicklime fines. PFRP
pulvenzed lime, or hydrated lime) are uniformly mixed by mecnanical or aeration mixing into
liquid or oewatereo sludge to raise the oH to greater than 12 for 7 days. If the resulting
sludge is liquid, it is oewatereo. The stabilized sludge cake is then air dnea (while pH
remains aoove 12 for at least 7 days) for at least 30 days ana until the caxe is at least 65%
solids. A soiids concentration of at least 60% is achieved before tne oH drops below 12.
The mean temperature of the air surrounamg the pile is above 5°C (41 °F) for tne first 7
days.
o Alternative 2: Fine alkaline matenals (cement kiln dust lime kiln dust quicklime fines,
pulvenzeo lime, or hydrated lime) are uniformly mixed by mecnanical or aeration mixing into
liquid or oewatereo sludge to raise the oH to greater than 12 for at least 72 hours. If the
resulting sludge is iiauid. it is dewatered. The sludge cake is then neateo. while the oH
exceeos 12. using exotnermic reactions or otner thermal processes to acnieve temoeratures
of at least 52"C (126°F) tnroughout the sluage for at least 12 hours. The stabilizeo sludge is
then air dned (while pH remains above 12 for at least 3 days) to at least 50% solids.
Anaerobic Digestion followeo by solar drying. Sludge is processed by anaerooic digestion in two Conditional
well-mtxea aigesters operating in series in a temperature range of 35° to 37°C (95° to 99°F). PFRP
Total residence time is 30 days. The sludge is then centnfuged to produce a cake of between
15 to 25% solids. The siudge cake is dned for 30 days on a paved Deo at a depth of no more
than 46 cm (18 inches). Within 8 days of the start of drying, trie sluage is tumea over at least
once every otner day until the sludge reacnes a solids content of greater than 70%.The PFRP
approval was conaitional on the microoiological quality of the product (see Exam Dies of
Approvals at the end of Chaoter 6).
list- of equivalent PSRP and PFRP processes as of September 1989.
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—AIPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle. Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
2.7
CERCLA LIABILITY
(RS/793/07/1)
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation Liability
Act (CERCLA) established guidelines regarding who can and cannot be
held financially and legally responsible for environmental contamination.
You may be more aware of the CERCLA program by its other
commonly used name, "Superfund." If you currently apply sewage
sludge to a Superfund site or have been approached by some party to do
so, you should be aware of the EPA's current stance on the applicability
of CERCLA regulations to you. The passage on the following page
regarding potential for financial and legal liability to those parties
associated with land application of domestic sewage sludge was
excerpted from the 40 CFR Part 503 Preamble.
After reading the text, you may ask, "What does this mean to me?"
Unfortunately, at this time it is still unclear as to the potential for
financial or legal liability associated with the land application of sewage
sludge on a Superfund site. The following passage indicates that if a
POTW holds an active NPDES permit which contains some form of
sludge requirements, the application of sewage sludge to an EPA
designated "Superfund" site would be considered a "permitted release"
and a "normal application of fertilizer." However, this topic is still
being discussed in detail within EPA and an affirmative declaration has
yet to be decided upon.
In addition to the many concerns regarding CERCLA, the applicability
to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is also still
being discussed. Therefore, if you intend to land apply sewage sludge
to a Superfund site you may wish to contact your Regional sludge
coordinator prior to application to find out if these issues have been
resolved.
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2.7-1
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Excerpted from 40 CFR Part 503, Preamble, pages 70 and 71.
CEBCL& Liability
Questions have been raised about conditions under which
sewage sludge disposed at a Superfund site night give rise to
liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Section 107 of CERCLA generally imposes liability for
cleanup costs on, among others, persons who own or operate
facilities at which hazardous substances are disposed. Seerion
107 liability extends to the costs of cleanup necessitated by a
release or threat of release of a hazardous substance. However,
section 101(22) defines l,release,, to exclude the "normal
application of fertilizer."
If the placement of sludge on land were considered to be
"the normal application of fertilizer," that placement could not
give rise to liability under CERCLA. Today's rule, as previously
noted, establishes standards for sewage sludge when applied to
the land for a beneficial purpose (i.e., as a fertilizer
substitute or soil conditioner) . Sludge placed on the land for
such beneficial purpose and applied in compliance with the
requirements for land application of sewage sludge provided in
§§503.13(b)(2) and (4), §503.14 and §503.15 (where applicable) of
the final rule today, and in accordance with accepted
2.7-2
-------
agricultural practices using appropriate application rates, which
constitutes the normal application of fertilizer, does not
constitute a "release."
Under CERCLA, protection from liability is also provided
when there is a release of a CERCLA hazardous substance and the
release occurs pursuant to Federal authorization. Thus under
CERCLA, in defined circumstances, the application of sewage
sludge to land in compliance with a permit required by Section
405 of the Clean Water Act is a Federally permitted release as
defined in CERCLA. Recovery for response costs or damages under
Section 107 of CERCLA is not authorized for Federally permitted
releases. The Act defines Federally permitted releases as, among
others, discharges in compliance with an NPDES permit under
Section 402 of the Clean Water Act. (See. Idaho v. Hanna Mining
Co. . 699 F. Supp. 827 (D. Idaho 1987) (State cannot recover under
CERCLA for damages resulting from releases authorized by NPDES
permit) aff'd. 882 F.2d 392 (9th Cir. 1989)). Consequently,
releases of hazardous substances from the land application of
sewage sludge authorized under and in compliance with an NPDES
permit would constitute a Federally permitted release.
2.7-3
-------
Intentional blank page.
Printed oo recycled paper
2.7-4
-------
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
2.8
TOXICITY,
BIOSOLIDS, AND
THE TCLP TEST
(RS/793/08/1)
The Toxicity Characteristic Leachate Procedure (TCLP) is a testing
procedure developed by the EPA Office of Solid Waste (OSW). It is
used for determining whether or not solid wastes, including domestic
sewage sludge, are hazardous. During the TCLP, the concentrations of
pollutants are compared to Toxicity Characteristic (TC) regulatory
levels. If the concentration of pollutants in the TCLP extract meet or
exceed these regulatory levels, the wastes are classified as hazardous.
In the event the sludge extract is deemed hazardous, land application
would not be allowed. Table 2.8.1 presents the analytical classification
and limits for TCLP constituents.
Table 2.8.2 presents the results of studies which were conducted in
1985-86 by the OSW. The studies were used to determine if the TCLP
and TC regulatory limits might cause municipal sewage sludge to be
classified as a hazardous waste. The Association of Metropolitan
Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) and the OSW analyzed split samples from
12 POTWs using identical analytical methodology.
None of the sludges tested by the laboratories had TCLP extract
concentrations that exceeded the proposed TC regulatory levels. For
most contaminants, except metals, there were non-detects in the TCLP
extracts and very few contaminants were detected by both laboratories
on the same sludge sample.
You may be asking, "Why should I care about this?" The answer is
two-fold. First, TCLP information may be helpful when establishing a
public relations program. Uninformed citizens may think that sewage
sludge is hazardous by nature and a threat to human health and the
environment. The results of this study indicate otherwise. Second, note
that these 12 POTWs were in urbanized areas and accepted anywhere
from 5 to 90 percent of their flow from industrial sources. That criteria
may not be common for most POTWs; therefore, it may be presumed
that your sludge may produce TCLP extract concentrations less than the
sludges analyzed and thus have an even less likely chance of failing the
TCLP test.
2.8-1
prmt£d on recycled paper
-------
TABLE 2.8.1
ANALYTICAL CLASSIFICATION AND LIMITS FOR TCLP CONSTITUENTS
Constituent
Limit. mg/L
Pesticides
Chlordane
0.03
Endrin
0.02
Heptachlor
0.008
Lindane
0.4
Methoxychlor
10.0
Toxaphene
0.5
Herbicides
2,4-D
10.0
2,4,5-TP Silvex
1.0
Volatiles
Benzene
0.5
Carbon tetrachloride
0.5
Chlorobenzene
100.0
Chloroform
6.0
1 ,2-Dichloroethane
0.5
1,1 -Dichloroethy lene
0.7
Methyl ethyl ketone
200.0
Tetrachloroethylene
0.7
Toluene
1000.0
Trichloroethylene
0.5
Vinyl chloride
0.2
Semivolatiles
o-Cresol
200.0
m-Cresol
200.0
p-Cresol
200.0
1,2-Dichlorobenzene
300.0
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
7.5
2.4-Dinitrotoluene
0.1
Hexachloro benzene
0.02
Hexachlorobutadiene
0.5
Hexachloroethane
3.0
Nitrobenzene
2.0
Pentachlorophenol
1.0
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
400.0
2.4,6-Trichlorophenol
2.0
Metals
Arsenic
5.000
Barium
100.0
Cadmium
1.0
Chromium
5.0
Lead
5.0
Mercury
0.2
Selenium
1.0
Silver
5.0
2.8-2
-------
Table 2.8.2
Characteristics of the 12 POTW's and Their Biosolids in the 1986 EPA-AMSA TCLP and Compositional Test Series
g.
s
s.
¦g
n
POTW
Daily Flow
(MGD)
% Industry
Type of
Wastewater
Treatment
Biosolids Parameters
Type of
Treatment
Sample Point
PH
% Water
Pass/Fail
G
30-60
50
Primary and Waste
Activated
No Digestion,
Lime and Ferric
Vacuum Filters
Filters,
Composite Cake
12.2
79
Pass
H
100-150
35
Waste Activated
No Digestion,
Ferric Vacuum
Filters
Conveyor From
Filter Discharge
5.8
83
Pass
I
>600
30
Primary and Waste
Activated
Anaerobically
Digested
Draw Off From
Digester
7.4
95
Pass
J
4-10
90
Waste Activated
Extended Air
Aerobically
Digested (60
Days) Belt Filter
Press
Conveyor From
Filter Discharge
6.3
81
Pass
K
65-100
30
Waste Activated
Anaerobically
Digested, Lime,
Vacuum Filters
Vacuum Filter
Cake Before
Lime
4.6
82
Pass
L
70-100
40
Primary and Pure
Oxygen
Anaerobically
Digested,
Polymer,
Centrifiiged
Conveyor From
The Filter
Discharge
7.8
82
Pass
M
>600
30-40
Primary and Waste
Activated
No Digestion
Polymer Belt
Filter Press
Filter
7.0
77
Pass
N
40-60
25
Waste Activated
No Digestion,
Lime and Ferric
Vacuum Filter
Storage
10.7
78
Pass
-------
Type of
Wastewater
Treatment
Biosolids Parameters
POTW
Daily Flow
(MGD)
% Industry
Type of
Treatment
Sample Point
pH
% Water
Pass/Fail
0
275-325
5
Waste Activated
Anaerobically
Digested
Bottom Ash
6.4
96
Pass
p
125-175
40
Primary
Polymer, Vacuum
Filter,
Incineration
Conveyor From
the Filter
Discharge
8.3
0
Pass
Q
80-120
55
Primary and Waste
Activated Pure
Oxygen
Low Pressure
Oxidation-zimpro,
Vacuum Filter
Storage
5.6
66
Pass
R
80-100
50
Waste Activated
Anaerobically
Digested,
Polymer, Belt
Filter Press
Unknown
6.6
70
Pass
-------
VOLATILE ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW G
POTW H *
POTW I
POTW J
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
ACRYLONITRILE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
•k *
BENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
CARBON DISULFIDE
*
*
*
*
*
0.0002
*
**
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
**
*
**
CHLOROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
CHLOROFORM
*
*
*
*
*
0.0019
*
**
I,2-DICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
1,1-
DICHLOROETHTYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
**
*
**
ISOBUTANOL
*
*
*
*
*
**
*
**
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
0.0092
*
**
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
*
*
0.53
0.85
*
0.0165
*
**
PYRIDINE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
1,1,1,2
TETRACHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
1,1,2,2
TETRACHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
**
*
**
TOLUENE
0.016
0.029
*
*
0.005
0.0008
*
**
I 1,1,1-
H TRICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
-------
1,1,2-
TRICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
k
k
*
**
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
*
*
*
*
k
kk
k
kk
VINYL CHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
** 8
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
*k
ACETONE
**
*
**
1.4
kk
0.11
**
kk
DIBROMOETHANE
**
*
kk
**
kk
kk
kk
kk
1,1-DICHLOROETHANE
*
**
k
•k k
*
kk
*
kk
ETHYLBENZENE
*
0.0085
*
kk
*
0.0006
*
k*
2, HEXANONE
*
* *
k
kk
k
kk
*
kk
METHYL ISOBUTYL
KETONE
*
*
*
k k
*
0.0048
*
**
STYRENE
*
kk
*
kk
*
**
*
**
TRANS 1,2-
DICHLOROETHENE
*
kit
*
k
*
kk
*
h *
XYLENE
0. 016
0. 050
*
k
k
0.0045
*
**
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
VOLATILE ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW K
POTW L
POTW M
POTW N
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
ACRYLONITRILE
*
~
*
*
*
*
*
*
BENZENE
~
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
CARBON DISULFIDE
*
*
0.34
*
0.053
*
*
0.0028
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
CHLOROBENZENE
*
*
0.009
0.01
*
*
*
*
CHLOROFORM
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.0026
1,2-DICHLOROETHANE
*
~
*
*
*
*
*
*
1,1-
DICHLOROETHTYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
ISOBUTANOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.018
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
2 . 2 +
1.3 +
*
*
*
0.25
*
*
PYRIDINE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1,1,1,2
TETRACHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1,1,2,2
TETRACHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TOLUENE
0.95
0.16
*
0.003
*
0.032
*
0.004
1,1,1-
TRICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
0.010
0.027
*
*
-------
1,1,2-
TRICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.009
0.0079
VINYL CHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
ACETONE
**
1.7
**
**
**
1.5
**
0.082
DIBROMOETHANE
**
**
**
**
**
*
**
*
1,1-DICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
ETHYLBENZENE
*
*
*
0.002
*
*
*
*
2, HEXANONE
*
**
*
**
*
*
*
*
METHYL ISOBUTYL
KETONE
*
**
*
**
*
*
*
*
STYRENE
*
**
*
*
*
*
*
0.0032
TRANS 1,2-
DICHLOROETHENE
*
**
*
*
0.034
0.051
*
XYLENE
*
* *
O
•
o
H*
0.013
0.025
0.041
0.012
0.012
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS * NOT ANALYZED
-------
VOLATILE ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW 0
POTW P
POTW Q
POTW R
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
ACRYLONITRILE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
BENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
CARBON DISULFIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
0.03
0.011/
**
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
CHLOROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
CHLOROFORM
*
*
*
0.0053
*
*
*
*/*
1,2-DICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
1,1-
DICHLOROETHTYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
ISOBUTANOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
*
*
*
0. 026
*
*
*
0.016/
0.013
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
*
0.4
*
*
*
0.26
*
*/*
PYRIDINE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.002
1,1,1,2
TETRACHLOROETHANE
*
*
~
*
*
*
*
*/*
1,1,2,2
TETRACHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TOLUENE
*
0.027
*
*
0.005
*
0.005
0.31/ I
I
-------
1,1,1-
TRICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
1,1,2-
TRICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
VINYL CHLORIDE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
*/**
ACETONE
**
*
*
*
**
1.1
**
*/**
DIBROMOETHANE
**
*
**
**
**
*
**
*/*
1,1-DICHLOROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
ETHYLBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2, HEXANONE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
METHYL ISOBUTYL
KETONE
*
*
*
*
*
•k
*
STYRENE
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
TRANS 1,2-
DICHLOROETHENE
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
XYLENE
0.006
*
*
*
0.01
*
0. 008
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** HOT ANALYZED
-------
SEMIVOLATILE ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW G
POTW H
POTW I
POTW J
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)
ETHER
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
O-CRESOL
*
*
0.07
*
*
*
*
**
M-CRESOL
*
0.75
*
*
*
*
*
**
g
P-CRESOL
*
*
0.26
0. 23
*
*
*
**
1,2 DICHLOROBNZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
1,4 DICHLOROBENENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
2,4 DINITROTOLUENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
HEXACHLOROBUTADIENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
HEXACHLORROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
NITROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
PENTACHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
PHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
0.0008
*
**
2,3,4,6-
TETRACHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
2,4,5-
TRICHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
I 2,4,6-
| TRICHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
I NON-TCLP ANALYTES
-------
ACENAPTHENE
*
**
*
kk
k
kk
k
kk
ACENAPTHYLNE
*
**
*
kk
*
kk
*
**
ANTHRACENE
*
**
*
**
*
kk
*
**
BENZOIC ACID
**
**
**
**
kk
k*
kk
kk
BENZO(A)-ANTHRACENE
*
**
*
**
*
kk
*
**
BENZO(B)-
FLUORANTHENE
*
**
k
kk
k
kk
*
kk
BIS (2-ETHYLHEXAL)
PHTHALATE
*
**
k
kk
k
kk
*
**
BUTYL BENZYL
PHTHALATE
*
**
*
**
k
kk
*
**
4-CHLOROANALINE
*
**
*
kk
k
kk
k
kk
CHRYSENE
*
* k
k
k k
*
kk
k
kk
DIETHYL PHTHALATE
*
kk
*
kk
*
kk
*
kk
DI-N-BUTYL PHTHALATE
*
kk
*
kk
*
kk
*
kk
DI-N-OCTYL PHTHALATE
*
**
k
kk
*
k*
k
kk
FLUORAANTHENE
*
**
*
kk
*
kk
*
kk
FLUORENE
*
**
*
**
*
kk
*
kk
INDENO(1,2,3,-CD)
PYRENE
*
* *
*
kk
*
kk
k
kk
2-METHYLNAPTHALENE
*
**
k
kk
*
kk
k
kk
NAPTHALENE
*
* k
*
kk
*
kk
k
kk
PHENANTHRENE
*
kk
k
kk
*
kk
*
kk
PYRENE
*
**
k
kk
k
kk
III 11 !¦ 1 1 1 1
k
kk
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
SEMIVOLATILE ANALYTES
I TCLP ANALYTES
POTW K
POTW L
POTW M
POTW N
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
j BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)
1 ETHER
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
O-CRESOL
*
*
*
*
*
0.68
*
*
M-CRESOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
P-CRESOL
0.17
0.26
*
*
1.5
*
*
1,2 DICHLOROBNZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
1,4 DICHLOROBENENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2,4 DINITROTOLUENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
HEXACHLOROBUTADIENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
| HEXACHLORROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
NITROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PENTACHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PHENOL
0.02
*
0.13
0.017
*
*
*
*
2,3,4,6-
TETRACHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2,4,5-
TRICHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
|2,4,6-
1 TRICHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
I NON-TCLP ANALYTES
-------
BIS (2-ETHYLHEXAL)
PHTHALATE
*
**
*
0.017
*
*
*
*
BUTYL BENZYL
PHTHALATE
*
**
*
**
*
*
*
*
DIETHYL PHTHALATE
*
**
*
0.16
*
*
*
*
DI-N-BUTYL PHTHALATE
*
**
*
*
*
*
*
*
DI-N-OCTYL PHTHALATE
*
**
*
*
*
*
*
*
NAPTHALENE
*
**
*
0.002
*
*
*
*
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
SEMIVOLATILE ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW O
POTW P
POTW Q
POTW R
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
BIS(2-CHLOROETHYL)
ETHER
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
'
O-CRESOL
*
1.9
*
*
0.28
0.19
*
*1
0.0023
M-CRESOL
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0008
P-CRESOL
0. 39
*
*
1.5
*
1,2 DICHLOROBNZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0003
1,4 DICHLOROBENENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0002
2,4 DINITROTOLUENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
HEXACHLOROBUTADIENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
HEXACHLORROETHANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.004
NITROBENZENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
PENTACHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
~
*
*
*
* f*
PHENOL
0. 39
*
*
*
0.08
*
*
*/
0.019
2,3,4,6-
TETRACHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2,4,5-
TRICHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
-------
2,4,6-
TRICHLOROPHENOL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
BIS (2-ETHYLHEXAL)
PHTHALATE
0.39
*
*
*
*
*
*! I
0.002 I
BUTYL BENZYL
PHTHALATE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/* |
DIETHYL PHTHALATE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/* E
DI-N-BUTYL PHTHALATE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0005
DI-N-OCTYL PHTHALATE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
NAPTHALENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0012
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
METAL ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW G
POTW H
POTW I
POTW J
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
ARSENIC
*
0.005
0.12
*
*
*
*
**
BARIUM
2.6
0.2
*
0.6
3.3
0.3
1.6
**
I CADMIUM
*
0.2
*
0.04
*
0.17
*
**
CHROMIUM
*
0.2
*
0.3
*
0.08
*
**
LEAD
*
0.21
*
*
*
*
*
**
MERCURY
*
0.0032
*
*
*
*
*
**
8 SELENIUM
*
0. 001
*
*
*
*
0.23
* *
| SILVER
~
1.0
*
*
*
0.01
*
**
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
NICKEL
*
0.6
0.24
0.22
*
0.5
*
**
THALLIUM
*
**
*
*
*
**
*
**
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS **NOT ANALYZED
-------
METAL ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW K
POTW L
POTW M
POTW N
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
ARSENIC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
BARIUM
3.9
0.8
2.5
0.04/
0.07
1.6
0.57
1.6
0.65 1
I CADMIUM
*
*
*
*
0.12
0.10
*
0.04
3
1 CHROMIUM
*
*
*
0.02/
0.02
*
*
*
*
LEAD
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
MERCURY
*
*
*
0.0002/
0.0008
*
*
*
*
SELENIUM
0.15
*
0.23
**/**
*
*
*
*
SILVER
*
*
*
0.02/*
*
*
*
*
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
NICKEL
*
*
*
0.04/
0.04
0.81
0.68
2.9
3.0
THALLIUM
*
*
*
*/0.007
*
*
*
*
* BELOW REPOTING LIMITS **NOT ANALYZED
-------
METAL ANALYTES
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW 0
POTW P
POTW Q
POTW R
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
ARSENIC
*
*
*
0.31
*
*
*
** J
0.0016
BARIUM
2.0
0.70
0.98
0.10
0.99
0.24
2.3
**/*
CADMIUM
*
0.025
*
0.041
0.14
0.21
*
**/*
CHROMIUM
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**/*
I LEAD
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**/
0.002
MERCURY
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**/*
SELENIUM
*
*
*
0.047
*
*
*
**/*
SILVER
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
** /
0.0003
NON-TCLP ANALYTES
NICKEL
*
*
*
**
*
0.27
0.76
**/0.0
96
THALLIUM
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
**/**
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
PESTICIDE AND HERBICIDE
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW G
POTW H
POTW I
POTW J
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
CHLORDANE
*
*
*
*
*
0.00047
*
**
ENDRIN
*
*
*
*
*
0.00002
*
**
HEPTACHLOR
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
LINDANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
METHOXYCHLOR
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
TOXAPHENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
2,4-D
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
1 2,4,5,TP
I (SILVEX)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
NON-TCLP
ANALYTES
ALDRIN
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
ALPHA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
BETA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
DELTA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
CHLORDENE 237
**
**
h *
**
**
**
**
**
2,4-DB
**
*
**
*
**
**
**
**
| 4,4'-DDD
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
4,4'-DDT
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
DINOSEB
**
*
**
*
**
*
**
**
ENDOSULFAN II
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
-------
ENDRIN KETONE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
"
**
HEXACHLORONOB
ORNADIENE
**
**
**
•k *
A *
**
* A
**
HEPTACHLORNOB
ORNENE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
MCPP
**
*
**
*
**
*
**
**
OCTACHLOROCYC
LOPENTENE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
PCB-1248
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
PCB-1254
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
**
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
PESTICIDE AND HERBICIDE
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW K
POTW L
POTW M
POTW N
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
CHLORDANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
ENDRIN
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
HEPTACHLOR
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
LINDANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
METHOXYCHLOR
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TOXAPHENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2,4-D
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2,4,5,TP
(SILVEX)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
NON-TCLP
ANALYTES
ALDRIN
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
ALPHA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
BETA-BHC
*
*
0.0001
*
*
*
*
*
DELTA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
CHLORDENE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
2,4-DB
**
**
**
**
* *
**
**
**
4,4'-DDD
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
4,4'-DDT
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
I DINOSEB
**
**
**
**
* *
**
**
**
| ENDOSULFAN II
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
-------
ENDRIN KETONE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
HEXACHLORONOB
ORNADIENE
**
* *
* *
**
**
**
**
**
HEPTACHLORNOB
ORNENE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
MCPP
**
**
**
A A
**
**
**
A*
OCTACHLOROCY C
LOPENTENE
A *
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
PCB-1248
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PCB-1254
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
PESTICIDE AND HERBICIDE
TCLP ANALYTES
POTW 0
POTW P
POTW Q
POTW R
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
EPA
AMSA
CHLORDANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
ENDRIN
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0002
HEPTACHLOR
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
1 LINDANE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
METHOXYCHLOR
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
TOXAPHENE
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
to
A
1
o
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
2,4,5,TP
(SILVEX)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
h J hit
NON-TCLP
ANALYTES
ALDRIN
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
¦k j *
ALPHA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0001
BETA-BHC
0.0001
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0001
DELTA-BHC
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
CHLORDENE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
** f
0.0003
2,4-DB
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**/**
4,4'-DDD
1
*
*
0.12
*
*
*
*
*/
0.0001
-------
4,4'-DDT
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/*
DINOSEB
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
ft*/**
ENDOSULFAN II
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
ft/ft
ENDRIN KETONE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**/
0.0004
HEXACHLORONOB
ORNADIENE
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
i—i
o
o
~ •
* o
HEPTACHLORNOB
ORNENE
ft*
**
**
**
**
**
**
** /
0.0002
MCPP
**
**
**
**
**
**
**
**/**
OCTACHLOROCYC
LOPENTENE
ft*
**
**
**
**
*ft
**
**/*
PCB-1248
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
PCB-12 54
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*/**
* BELOW REPORTING LIMITS ** NOT ANALYZED
-------
Intentional blank page.
Printed oo recycled paper
-------
BIOSOLIDSREFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION VIM—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Progi
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
'ram
2.9
CONSERVATION
TILLAGE AND
WIND EROSION
TECHNIQUES
(RS/793/09/1)
When you chose this profession, you probably never thought you would
be a farmer. Well, the land application of biosolids on agricultural land
requires that either the POTW, a local farmer, or a contract hauler/applier
be directly involved with the land application and incorporation of
biosolids into the soil. If your POTW land applies biosolids without the
assistance of a farmer or contract hauler, then this section may be helpful
in ensuring that you use effective conservation tillage and wind erosion
techniques on the agricultural land.
Since this information may be pertinent to only a few POTWs, a summary
of the techniques has not been included; instead, a reference section is
contained on the following pages.
When reviewing the references, note that many of the references were
published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation
Service (SCS). You can obtain these documents by calling the SCS
national public relations office in Washington, D.C. at (202) 720-2536.
Keep in mind that some of these may have been published by a specific
state SCS office and may not be available at a national level. Therefore,
if the national office is unable to help you acquire these documents, you
should contact your state SCS office for assistance.
2.9-1
Printed on recycled paper
-------
CONSERVATION TILLAGE AND WIND EROSION TECHNIQUES
REFERENCES
Christensen, L.A. 1983. A Comparison Of Tillage Systems: For Reducing Soil Erosion And Water
Pollution.
Dombrowski, J.E. 1991. Water Quality Implications of Conservation Tillage: January 1980-1991.
Kahn, A. 1963. Master's Report: Mechanics of Wind Erosion and Control Measures on Dry
Croplands.
Logan, T.J. 1987. Effects of Conservation Tillage on Groundwater Quality: Nitrates and'Pesticides.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 1977. How To Control Wind
Erosion.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1981. Soil Loss From Wind Erosion in
Tons Per Acre Per Year.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1984. Farmland Conservation Guide:
Ideas For Improving Your Land.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1988. Wind Erosion and Its Control.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1989. Tillage Options for Conservation
Farmers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1990. Conservation Tillage: Managing
Residues for Conservation Compliance.
2.9-2
Printed on recycled paper
-------
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 ISih Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X —NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heaihertngton
2.10
SET BACKS AND
BUFFERS FOR
LAND
APPLICATION
(RS/793/10/1)
Due to the sensitive nature of such areas as residential developments,
streams and lakes, springs, flood plains, and public water supply wells,
EPA established set backs and buffers to ensure that these sensitive areas
are protected from runoff, spray drift, and general misapplication of
sludge. The EPA established these setbacks and buffers in the 1983
Process Design Manual—Land Application of Municipal Sludge. The
following table provides these setbacks and buffers which must be
considered prior to land application. Please note that your individual state
may have their own requirements regarding acceptable distances and you
should consult your state sludge coordinator regarding these distances. If
your state does not have such requirements, the following setbacks and
buffers must be followed, la addition to the setbacks and buffers, an
additional table provides a general description of potentially unsuitable
areas for sludge application.
2.10-1
Prated on recvcled oswer
-------
Excerpted from, Process Design Manual, "Land Application of Municipal Sludge",
EPA-625/1-83-016. pgs 5-14 and 5-15
SUGGESTED SETBACK DISTANCES FOR SLUDGE APPLICATION AREAS
Distance from Feature to Sludge Application Site
15 to
90 m*
90 to
460
>460 n'
Feature
Injection
Injection
Surface
Injection
** Surface
and Surface
Residential aevelooment
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Inhabited dwelling
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Ponds and lakes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Springs
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
10-year high water
mark of streams.
rivers, and creeics
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
tfater supply wells
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Public road right-
of-way
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
* 50 to 300 feet.
t 300 to 1,500 feet.
# >1,500 feet.
** Injection of liauid sludge or surface application of dewatered sludge.
POTENTIALLY UNSUITABLE AREAS FOR SLUDGE APPLICATION
WHICH MAY REQUIRE SLT BACKS
1. Land adjacent to suDdivisions, schools, and other innapited dwellings.
2. Areas bordered by ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams without appropriate
buffer areas.
3. Wetlands and marshes.
i. Steeo areas with sharp relief.
5. Undesiraple geology (karst, fracturea bedrocx) (if not covered by a suf-
ficiently thicn soil column).
6. Undesirable soil conditions (shallow, permafrost).
7. Areas of historical or archeological significance.
8. Other environmentally sensitive areas such as flooaplains or intermittent
streams, ponas, etc.
9. Rocky, nonaraole land.
2.10-2
-------
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V III—NPDES Branch—Permits Program EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. State 500, Denver. Colorado 80202 1200 6th Avenue. Seattle. Washington 98101
Mr. Robert Brobst Mr. Richard Heaihenngton
2.11
METALS
AVAILABILITY VS.
pH
AND
HOW YOUR
SLUDGE
COMPARES TO
THE NATIONAL
AVERAGE
(RS/793/11/1)
When applying sewage sludge to agricultural land, the uptake of metals by
plants is controlled by a number of factors. One factor relates to the pH
of the receiving soils which is illustrated by the following graph. A
distinction is made between mineral vs. organic soils and the relative
cation-exchange-capacity (CEC) of each. For additional information
regarding metal availability vs. pH, please refer to the listed reference.1
The 1988 National Sewage Sludge Survey determined the mean
concentration of the ten regulated metals found in sewage sludge from
POTWs throughout the country. To give you an idea of how your sludge
compares to other POTWs sludges, Table 2.11.2 is provided at the end of
this reference sheet. When viewing the table, the percentiles indicate
what percentage of the sludges included in the survey were at or below
the listed pollutant values. For example, the 67th percentile means that
67 percent of the POTWs sampled had pollutant concentrations at or
below the numbers presented in the middle column of the table.
Please note that the EPA Regions discourage municipalities from public
competition with each other over sludge quality numbers. EPA
recommends municipalities investigate the potential sources of
contamination as metal levels move from the 67th towards the 98th
percentile.
'Kuhns, L.J., 1985. Fertilizing Woody Ornamentals. University Park, Pennsylvania. Penn State University, College of
Agriculture, 16 pages.
2.11-1
Printed on recycled oaper
-------
TABLE 2.11.1
Mineral soils
pH
5.0 5.5 6.0 8.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0
[
I J L
Nitrogerr
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Copper anci Zinc
Malytxienunr
I I
PH
Organic soils
4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0
t t f
f I »
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
! I
Potassium
— The relative availability (the wider the oand. the more available the nutrient) or the various mineral
nutrients is different tor mineral-based and organic-based soils. Maximum nutrient avaiiabiiitv tor mineral soiis is pH
6.5. compared to 5.5 tor organic soiis (Kuhns 1985).
2.11-2
-------
Table 2.11.2
Sludge Quality Comparison Guide and Goals
Data supplied from the 1988 National Sewage Sludge Survey (rounded)
Metal
(mg/kg Dry Wt)
Mean
50th Percentile
67th Percentile
98th Percentile
Arsenic
10
29
48
Beryllium
0.3
1
1
Cadmium
7
19
31
Chromium
119
458
797
Copper
741
1,703
2,665
Lead
134
332
530
Mercury
5
21
37
Molybdenum
9
26
43
Nickel
43
137
231
Selenium
5
12
19
Zinc
1,202
2,756
4,310
2.11-3
Printed on recycled paper
-------
Intentional blank page.
2.11-4
Printed on recycled
-------
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION Viil—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X- iVPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seanle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
2.12
PART
258—CRITERIA FOR
MUNICIPAL SOLID
WASTE LANDFILLS
(RS/793/12/1)
40 CFR Part 258 establishes criteria for the owners and operators of
municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. Although the requirements do not
apply to generators of solid waste, the regulation requires the owners and
operators to strictly enforce any requirements contained within the
regulation. The purpose of this reference sheet is not to summarize the
entire Part 258 regulation, but to highlight key components and
requirements that may be specific to the disposal of sewage sludge at a
MSW landfill. If you intend to dispose of your sewage sludge in a MSW
landfill, Region VIII and X, as well as the MSW landfill owner, will
require POTWs to conform to the following requirements and report the
results from each test:
• Waste exhibiting free liquids, as determined by the paint filter
test, must not be deposited. Therefore, you must conduct the
paint filter test prior to disposing sewage sludge at the MSW
landfill.
• Hazardous waste can not be disposed of in a MSW landfill and
the owners or operators of the landfill may require a TCLP
verification analysis. PCB analysis may also be required.
• The owners and operators are required to prevent or control onsite
populations of disease vectors using "techniques appropriate for
the protection of human health and the environment. "1 This is
very vague and therefore you should be aware that the landfill
owners may require documentation regarding the method of
pathogen and vector attraction reduction employed.
Also, to be in compliance with Pan 503 rules: (1) POTWs must ensure
that the sludge disposed of at the MSW landfill is deposited within the
active MSW "unit" and not in a separate unit, lagoon, or trench
specifically for sludge; (2) the POTW must only send their sludge to a
MSW landfill that is in compliance with the requirements of Part 258.
'40 CFR 258.22.
2.12-1
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2.12-2
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION V III—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Healhertngton
2.13
SLUDGE SAMPLING
GUIDANCE FOR
POTWs (RS/793/13/1)
This reference sheet provides specific guidance to POTW operators on
sampling considerations associated with short and long term sludge
storage facilities such as drying beds, storage lagoons, sludge piles,
surface disposal units, and wastewater lagoons. The sampling protocols
and requirements presented herein should be considered prior to
disposing of sludge that has been stored in one of the above manners for
a period of time. It is not intended for sludge generating facilities that
dispose of their sludge on a frequent or continuous basis. Self-
monitoring requirements for those POTWs which frequently or
continuously dispose of sludge are presented in 40 CFR 503.16 for land
application and 40 CFR 503.26 for surface disposal. If you're POTW
intends to dispose of sludge in the future, or currently disposes of sludge,
note that all facilities must notify their EPA Region 180 days prior to
land applying or land disposing of all sewage sludge. The notification
must include a sludge sampling plan, and a time table of all sampling and
disposal activities.
The following pages present EPA Regional policy on the statistical basis
for representative sampling and the guidance related to the physical act of
sampling.
The following areas of concern should be evaluated when developing
your sampling plan:
• Statistical Basis—Determine how many discrete samples need to
be collected to ensure you have collected a representative sample,
and from that group, how many analyses are required.
• Physical Sampling—Determine which parameters are to be
analyzed and what type of sampling equipment will be needed.
2.13-1
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I. STATISTICAL BASIS FOR SLUDGE SAMPLING
This sampling strategy relies on statistics to determine the total number of grab samples to be
collected and EPA Regional policy to determine how many composite samples must be derived from
the grab samples and analyzed. For the purposes of this reference sheet, the statistics used to
determine the number of samples to be collected are not presented but can be obtained from the EPA
Regional Coordinator.
A. NUMBER OF SAMPLES TO BE COLLECTED AND ANALYZED
Using statistical formulas, the following number of samples must be collected depending on the design
flow of the POTW. Table 2.13.1 presents the number of samples required for POTWs with different
design flows. Note that the physical size of the sludge body does not influence the number of
samples to be collected, but rather the number of samples presented in Table 2.13.1 are intended for
each individual sludge body. Therefore, if you have three individual wastewater lagoons that are to
be dredged and the sludge disposed of, you would need to collect the required amount of samples
from each of the three lagoons.
Table 2.13.1
Design Flow
(MGD)
Number of Discrete
Samples Collected (N)
Number of Composite
Samples Derived from
(N) and Analyzed
Equivalent Self-
Monitoring Frequency
flow< 1
3
1
1/yr
1 < flowjClO
8
4
4/yr
10 < flow <100
48
6
6/yr
flow> 100
60
12
12/yr
Table 2.13.1 is for POTWs who stockpile sludge in piles, lagoons, or similar facilities for extended
periods of time. The table indicates that the number of samples required increases as the design flow
of the POTW increases. Therefore, a POTW with a design flow of less than 1 MGD must collect 3
discrete samples and composite those samples for one analysis. Conversely, a POTW with a design
flow of greater than 100 MGD must collect 60 discrete samples and randomly composite and analyze
12 samples from the total of 60. As stated previously, the number of discrete samples has statistical
justification while the number of composite samples to be analyzed is Regional Policy.
The number of composite samples required to be collected and analyzed are similar to the self-
monitoring frequencies presented in 40 CFR Part 503.16 for continuous sludge generating facilities.
Part 503.16 requires POTWs with sludge production of less than 290 tons/year to monitor only once
per year (1/yr), while POTWs who generate more than 15,000 tons/year, must monitor 12 times per
year (12/yr). The number of samples to be composited and analyzed is similar to the monitoring
frequency presented in Part 503.16 because the POTW must monitor for the equivalant of either once
per year (1/yr), once per quarter (4/yr), once per 60 days (6/yr), or monthly (12/yr). Therefore, this
procedure mirrors the required monitoring frequency for those POTWs which generate and dispose of
sludge on a continuous basis. The reasoning for this is that larger POTWs should be required to
monitor their sludge more extensively than smaller POTWs, thus the greater monitoring frequency.
2.13-2
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B. DETERMINING SAMPLE LOCATIONS
Once you know how many samples are required to be collected and analyzed, you can use the
following procedures to ensure that you collect representative samples from the sludge body. This
can be accomplished using a two-dimensional random sampling method to identify the sample location
points. The following four steps describe how to determine sampling point locations:
I
Step [1] Prepare a small scale diagram of the sludge body on a 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper.
Step [2] Divide the diagram into 100 equally sized squares. Consecutively assign a number (from
0 to 99) to each of the squares. An example grid pattern is presented in Table 2.13.2.
(If possible, simply overlay the grid pattern onto your sludge body diagram).
Step [3] Using a random number table, select a minimum of N numbers from the random number
table provided (remembering that N represents the number of samples required). Note
that if your sludge body does not fill the entire grid (i.e. a circular sludge pile vs. square
grid) more numbers are needed for areas without sludge in the grid sections described in
Step 2. To select numbers off the random number table, pick a number anywhere on the
random number table and move along a straight line in any direction (maintaining that
direction) choosing numbers off the table consecutively while traveling along the straight
line. Do not use duplicate numbers. If a duplicate number exists along the straight line,
ignore it and choose additional numbers until non-duplicated N random numbers have
been chosen. If the end of the table is reached, repeat the process until all the numbers
have been chosen. A random number table is presented in Table 3.
Step [4] Match all selected random numbers to the numbered squares on your grid pattern of the
sludge body. Samples will be taken from the middle of each identified square as it is laid
out over the sludge body.
2.13-3
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TABLE 2.13.2
I W/10
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
1 1
10
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
40
41
42
43
4d
45
46
47
48
49
59
53
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
60
6 1
62
63
64
65
t
66
67
68
69
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
99
98
97
96
95
94
93
92
91
90
NOTE: I. Sample locations ars the center of eacn subsection
2. Highligntea numoers are example rancom numbers
from a random number table (in this examDle 12).
3 'L' ana "W are rievidea into 10 equal segments
Sample Location
(center of each cell)
2.13-4
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TABLE 2.13.3
RANDOM NUMBERS (BLOCKED MERELY FOR CONVENIENCE)
(Source: Introductory Statistics, 4th Edition,
John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1985)
39
65
76
45
45
19
90
69
64
61
20
26
36
31
62
38
24
97
14
97
95
06
70
99
00
73
71
23
70
90
63
97
60
12
11
31
56
34
19
19
47
33
73
51
33
30
62
38
20
46
72
20
47
33
84
51
67
47
97
19
98
40
07
17
66
23
05
09
51
80
59
78
11
32
49
75
17
25
69
17
17
93
21
78
38
24
33
45
77
48
69
81
84
09
29
93
22
ro
45
80
37
48
79
88
74
63
52
06
34
30
01
31
60
10
27
35
07
79
71
S3
28
99
52
01
41
02
89
08
16
94
85
53
83
29
95
26
27
09
24
43
21
78
55
09
82
72
61
88
73
61
87
18
15
70
07
37
79
49
12
38
48
13
93
S3
96
41
92
43
71
51
09
18
25
38
94
98
83
71
70
15
89
09
39
S9
24
00
06
41
41
20
14
36
59
23
47
34
45
17
24
89
10
08
58
07
04
76
62
16
48
68
58
76
17
14
86
59
33
11
52
21
66
04
18
72
87
47
90
56
37
31
71
82
13
so
41
27
55
10
24
92
28
04
67
53
44
93
23
00
84
47
93
05
31
03
07
34
18
04
32
35
74
13
39
35
22
68
95
23
92
33
36
63
70
35
33
21
89
11
47
99
11
20
99
45
18
76
51
94
64
86
13
79
93
37
53
98
16
04
41
67
95
18
94
06
97
27
37
83
28
71
79
57
95
13
91
09
61
87
23
21
36
20
11
32
44
97
08
31
53
73
10
65
81
92
59
77
31
61
95
48
20
44
90
32
64
26
99
78
75
63
69
26
88
86
13
59
71
74
17
32
48
38
75
93
29
73
37
32
04
03
60
82
29
20
25
41
47
10
25
03
87
63
93
93
17
81
83.
83
04
49
77
45
83
50
51
79
88
01
97
30
91
94
14
63
62
08
61
74
SI
69
92
79
43
89
79
29
18
94
51
23
14
85
11
47
23
80
06
54
18
47
08
52
83
08
40
48
40
35
94
22
72
63
71
08
86
SO
03
42
99
36
87
72
77
63
99
89
83
84
46
06
64
71
06
21
66
89
37
20
70
01
61
65
70
22
12
59
40
24
13
73
42
29
72
23
19
06
94
76
10
08
81
30
13
39
14
81
83
17
16
33
63
62
06
34
41
79
53
36
02
95
94
61
09
43
62
20
21
14
68
88
94
95
48
46
43
78
47
23
53
90
79
93
96
38
63
34
85
52
05
09
85
43
01
72
73
14
93
87
81
40
87
68
62
15
43
97
48
72
66
46
53
16
71
13
81
59
97
50
99
52
24
62
20
42
31
47
60
92
10
77
26
97
05
73
51
88
46
38
03
58
72
68
49
29
31
75
70
16
08
24
56
88
87
59
41
06
87
37
78
48
65
88
69
58
39
88
02
84
27
83
85
81
56
39
38
22
17
68
65
84
87
02
22
57
51
68
69
80
93
44
11
29
01
95
80
49
34
35
86
47
19
36
27
59
46
39
77
32
77
09
79
57
92
36
59
89
74
39
82
15
08
58
94
34
74
16
77
23
02
77
28
08
24
23
93
22
45
44
84
11
87
80
61
65
31
09
71
91
74
25
78
43
76
71
61
97
67
63
99
81
80
45
67
93
82
59
73
19
83
23
S3
33
65
97
21
03
28
28
26
08
69
30
16
09
05
53
58
47
70
93
66
56
43
63
79
43
56
20
19
47
04
31
17
21
58
33
73
99
19
87
26
72
39
27
67
53
77
57
68
93
60
61
97
22
61
61
06
98
03
91
87
14
77
43
96
43
00
65
98
50
43
60
33
01
07
98
99
46
30
47
23
68
35
26
00
99
53
93
81
28
32
70
05
48
34
36
63
05
61
86
90
92
10
70
80
IS
39
25
70
99
93
86
52
77
83
15
33
59
03
28
22
87
26
07
47
86
96
98
29
06
38
71
96
30
24
18
46
23
34
27
35
13
99
24
44
49
18
09
79
49
74
16
32
23
02
93
22
53
64
39
07
10
63
78
33
87
03
04
79
88
08
13
13
83
ua
M
35
34
57
72
69
78
76
58
54
74
92
38
70
96
92
32
06
79
79
45
82
63
18
27
44
69
66
92
19
09
61
81
31
96
82
00
57
25
60
39
46
72
60
13
77
35
66
12
62
11
08
99
S3
64
57
42
88
07
10
OS
24
94
63
63
21
47
21
61
38
32
27
80
30
21
60
10
92
35
36
12
77
94
30
OS
39
2S
10
99
00
27
12
73
73
99
12
49
99
57
94
82
96
86
57
17
91
2.13-5
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II. PHYSICAL SAMPLING
The following items should be considered when you are ready to sample:
• Type of sample to be collected (i.e. grab vs. composite)
• Sampling equipment
A. TYPE OF SAMPLE
As noted in Table 2.13.1, N represents the number of discrete samples to be collected prior to
compositing. Discrete, or grab, samples are defined as simple "dip and take" samples that can be
collected with any of the sampling equipment listed in Table 2.13.3 Prior to collecting the samples,
determine the total volume of sludge needed for the required analyses. By doing so, you can better
determine the amount of sample needed from each discrete sample. Obviously, if you are only
collecting three grab samples, you will need substantially more volume per sample than if your
collecting 60 discrete samples.
Table 2.13.1 lists the number of grab samples to be collected and also the number of composite
samples required for analysis. Sludge consistency will range from liquid (soupy), semiliquid (slurry),
semisolid (muddy), to solid (dry), therefore, different methods of compositing apply. If die sludge is
a liquid, semiliquid, or semisolid, mix the individual grab samples in an appropriate container, and
stir well, ensuring a complete mix. If the sludge is solid, combine all of your grab samples into one
cone and then quarter the sludge cone at least twice, to form a homogeneous composite sample. An
additional description of this process is provided in the next paragraph and a visual description is
presented on the video shown during this land application seminar.
To cone and quarter, place all samples into a ring (like a doughnut) on a smooth surface (e.g., a
smooth crack free concrete surface or a large smooth synthetic material tarpaulin). Start at any point
on the ring and move around the ring shoveling one scoop at a time to the center of the ring to form
a pile. Each scoop should placed on top of the center of the pile so as to allow the sludge to fall on
all sides of the pile. After all the sludge has been place in the pile, flatten the pile so as to level out
the pile into a large wafer. Divide the wafer into quarters and discard two opposite quarters and keep
one quarter for analysis and the second for a replicate sample.
Please note that compositing of samples is not applicable to volatile organic sampling and analysis.
Volatiles must be collected and analyzed as grab samples or may be composited in the lab prior to
analysis.
B. SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
The types of sampling techniques and equipment needed will vary depending on the physical
characteristics of the sludge and the configuration of the sludge body. The sampling plan should also
include a list of the sampling devices or equipment, sample containers, and other miscellaneous
materials that are essential during the actual field sampling. The following paragraphs provide
information on the different types of sampling devices available.
2.13-6
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A coliwasa sampling device can be used to collect a core sample of free-flowing liquid sludge from
sludge lagoons, tanks, pits, and similar contaminates. The coliwasa consists of a metal, plastic, or
glass tube with a stopper attached to the bottom that can be opened and closed while the tube is
submerged in the liquid sludge to be sampled. The coliwasa is lowered into the sludge at a slow rate
to allow the level of liquid inside and outside the sampler to stay the same. When the tip of the
sampler contacts the bottom, the stopper is closed and the sludge inside is trapped. This sample
represents the entire depth of the sludge. A typical coliwasa measures about 5 feet in length. Longer
coliwasa of 10 to 15 feet in length are available commercially.
A thief sampler can be used to sample granulated or powered sludge. The thief is constructed of two
slotted concentric stainless or brass tubes. The outer tube has a conical pointed tip which allows the
sampler to penetrate the material being sampled. The sampler can be closed by rotating the inner
tube. Thiefs of about 2 to 4 feet in length are available.
A tier sampler can be used to sample sticky (mud like) sludge. The trier consists of a stainless steel
or brass tube that is cut in half lengthwise and one tip sharpened to allow proper penetration into
muddy or loose solids with particle diameters of less than one-half the tube diameter. Triers of up to
4 feet in length and 1 inch in diameter are generally available.
Augers, shovels, and scoops can be used to sample powdered, granulated, or hard packed solid
sludge. These items should be constructed of stainless steel preferably, but other materials may also
be acceptable.
To avoid contamination (i.e., zinc from galvanized equipment) care must be taken when choosing
equipment. Glass and teflon would be ideal sampling equipment but stainless steel will work.
Aluminum can be used. Plastics can be used but not for organics. Do not use material that will
dissolve or be entrapped by the sludge.
Table 2.13.4
Common Sampling Devices
Sampling Device
Sample Size
Sludge Make up
Sampling Device Size
Composite liquid sludge
sampler (Coliwasa)
Cross section
Free-flowing liquid
sludge
Typically 5 feet in length
(10 to 15 feet are
available
Thief sampler
Cross section
Granulated or powered
sludge
2 to 4 feet in length
Trier sampler
Cross section
Sticky (mud like) sludge
Up to 4 feet long and 1
inch diameter
Auger
Cross section and
discrete samples
Hard packed sludge
Variable
Shovel and Scoops
Discrete samples
Granulated, powdered, or
loose sludge
Variable
2.13-7
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2.13-8
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BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
m
EPA REGION VIII—AIPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heatherington
2.14
ALL KINDS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL
HELP (RS/793/14/1)
EPA Regions VIII and X have developed comprehensive handbooks which
provide information for all environmental programs administered under
the EPA. These documents provide an overview of specific
environmental programs and their associated regulations and were
developed specifically for small communities. Also listed are Hotline
numbers and addresses for Regional contacts for each program. The
individual titles and the EPA contacts for obtaining the handbooks are
presented below.
Region VIII
Everything You Wanted To Know About Environmental Regulations ... But
Were Afraid To Ask, a Guide for Small Communities, April 1993. The
document can be obtained by contacting Pauline Afshar at (303) 294-
1169.
Region X
Environmental Guidance For Very Small Communities, Regulation
Handbook. The document can be obtained by contacting Jim Werntz at
(206) 553-2634.
Printed on recycled paper
2.14-1
-------
BIOSOLIDS REFERENCE SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue. Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr Richard Heathenngton
2.15
ADDITIONAL
REFERENCE SHEET
(RS/793/15/1)
The following list of references may provide additional useful information
for many of the topics presented within this handbook. There are
references for general topics, as well as specific references.
General
• Process Design Manual—Sludge Treatment and Disposal, EPA-
625/1-79-011, September 1979.
• Process Design Manual—Land Application of Municipal Sludge,
EPA-625/1-83-016, October 1983.
• Technical Support Document for Land Application of Sewage
Sludge—Volume 1, EPA 822/R-93-001a, November 1992.
Pathogen and Vectors
• Environmental Regulations and Technology—Control of Pathogens
in Municipal Wastewater Sludge, EPA/625/10-89/006, September
• Technical Support Document for Reduction of Pathogens and
Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge, EPA/822/R-93-004,
November 1992.
• Environmental Regulations and Technology—Control of Pathogens
and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge, EPA/625/R-92/013,
Agronomic Rate and Loadings Limitations
• Soil Suitability and Site Selection for Beneficial Use of Sewage
Sludge, Manual 8, March 1990, Oregon State University
Extension Service.
• Sewage Sludge Guidelines for Washington, Part Two—Site
Selection and Management, EB1431, Part Three—Sample Problem
and Worksheet for Calculating Sludge Application Rates, EB1432,
Washington State University Extension Service.
• Guide to Fertilizer Recommendations in Colorado, XCM-37,
1990, Colorado State University Extension Service.
1989.
1992.
2.15-1
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BIOSOLIBS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
SECTION 3.
FACT SHEETS
The following pages present fact sheets for certain topics and calculations
needed to determine compliance with 40 CFR Part 503. Each topic will
be presented with a narrative description—the calculation or conversion
used is discussed first, then an example and a blank calculation for
practice, if applicable. Please note that the calculations enclosed do not
represent the entire approved analytical method; they are only
mathematical calculations, which are components of the entire method.
Therefore, preliminary calculations that may also be required are not
shown.
The following table lists the topics that are presented in this section:
Topic (Reference Number)
3.1 Pollutant Limits (FS/793/01/1)
3.2 Percent Total Solids (FS/793/02/1)
3.3 Dry Weight Basis (FS/793/03/1)
3.4 Annual Whole Sludge Application Rate (AWSAR) (FS/793/04/1)
3.5 Agronomic Rate for (N) (PS/793/05/1)
3.6 Annual Pollutant Loading Rate (APLR) (FS/793/06/1)
3.7 Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate (CPLR) (FS/793/07/1)
3.8 Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR) (FS/793/08/1)
3.9 Density of Microorganisms (FS/793/09/1)
3.10 Annual Application Rate for Domestic Septage (FS/793/10/1)
3.11 Volatile Solids Reduction (FS/793/11/1)
In addition to the fact sheets listed above, blank calculations sheets for
each applicable topic are included in Appendix A for your future use.
3-1
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Intentional blank page.
Printed oo recycled
3-2
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X —NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.1 The final 40 CFR Part 503 regulation regarding land application
POLLUTANT establishes different numeric limits for ten metals depending on the final
LIMITS (FS/793/01/1) use/disposal option for the sludge. Previous versions of the regulation
established numeric limits for 28 inorganic and organic pollutants, as well
as total hydrocarbons. "However, in the final rule, the Agency
determined that certain pollutants should not be regulated because they
either are not present in sludge, or if present, the potential for exposure
was small."1
No sewage sludge can be land applied if it exceeds the ceiling
concentrations listed in Table 1 of 40 CFR 503.13. The remainder of the
limits apply to specific use or disposal options. Table 3.1.1 provides a
comprehensive listing of all of the pollutant limits presented in 503.13.
When examining the limits, you will notice that metric units are provided.
To help in your conversion of these limits, Table 3.1.2 provides many of
the conversions needed throughout Part 503.
'40 CFR Part 503, Preamble, pages 350-351.
3.1-1
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Table 3.1.1
Pollutant Limits
40 CFR Part 503.13, Tables 1 - 4
Pollutant
Table 1 Ceiling
Concentrations
(mg/kg)*
Table 2
Cumulative
Pollutant Loading
Rates
(kg/ha)
Table 3
Pollutant
Concentrations
(mg/kg)*
Table 4
Annual Pollutant
Loading Rates
(kg/ha/365 day
period)
As
75
41
41
2.0
Cd
85
39
39
1.9
Cr
3,000
3,000
1,200
150
Cu
4,300
1,500
1,500
75
Pb
840
300
300
15
Hg
57
17
17
0.85
Mo
75
18
18
0.90
Ni
420
420
420
21
Se
100
100
36
5.0
Zn
7,500
2,800
2,800
140
*Dry weight basis.
3.1-2
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TABEE- 3.1.2 CONVERSION FACTORS - METRIC SYSTEM UNITS TO ENGLISH SYSTEM
UNITS
[Sri ,ij '¦ I'
*1
x\ivw• ••' ••* *• "^«wcvirii
.<»Kft8HrS^®!535S5SSvSc5Kw»^/-xMS%^^«SrS55^v$^A'*"" -¦.••• -v^.v • a .--. .r*
Cerrtimettr
cm
0.3937
in
Inch
Meter
m
3.2808
ft
Foot
Kilometer
km
0.6214
mi
M2e
w»ww
\...w a.v.w^^.-*-.;.:•_«.<.a£m-.:¦ ¦ -»a
v A".v,v .vj-S/A'/v . ./.. ••
*. mvaw x xw^vXv».x> • y * •:v '• ¦ ¦¦¦' ^ wa»a .
l\<: \ - '*"/:::;;rr?v;£...;r::V;.• -,• ul,!- ;¦.
Square Centimeter
cm2
0.155
in*
Square Inch
Sauare Meter
m1
10.763 ft3
Square Foot
Square Kilometer
ksr
J 861 mr
Square Mile
Hectare
ha
3.861 x 10° mr
Square Mile
Hectare
ha
2.471 ac
Acre
' ' - "'•::;V"%\A;. ¦: :Vrr:;!'^..¦: r*:<:-v :,...'. %-¦• -'-' VnllfTW^y-*^ -1< "A '' ".^s*"v.-:.-.V
Liter
L
3.531 x 10* ft*
Cubic Foot
T t»»r
L
02642 gai
Gallon
Cubic Meter
m3
35 .3147 ft3
Cubic Foot
Cubic Meter
m3
2.641 x 1(T
Mgai
Million Gallons
Cubic Meter
m3 8.1071 x 10* acre-ft
Acre-foot
Pressure
Kilograms per Square
Centimeter
kg/car
14.22
lbs/iir
Pounds per Square
Inch
Mass
Gram
gm
2.20 x 10°
lb
Pound
Kilogram
kg
2.205
lb
Pound
Metric Tonne mt
1.103 T
Ton (short)
Density
Kilograms per Cubic
Meter
kg/m3
0.0624
lbs/ft3
Pounds per Cubic
Foot
Kilograms per.
Hectare
kg/ha
4.46 x i
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TABLE 3.1.2 CONVERSION FACTORS - METRIC SYSTEM UNITS TO ENGLISH SYSTEM
UNITS (Continued)
mADDKminam
JT,i n tt^sS
Metric Tonnes per
Hectare
| kgfta
0.446
T/acre
Tons per Acre
wXft* «ct kjJrif[Yfa
^ro««
|#^^^Disdiaz^'¦:¦: - •: s-;¦
-' *.* * " s'{ . v.sV''" .w.ji'.w.:'^:.. ¦>"¦* • ¦¦'•'••¦••w
Kilowatt
kW
1341
hp
Horsepower
*:.wv£*:>>. • '--' ' .". - ¦--¦¦•¦¦ WA%
Temperatures
Decrees Celsius
•c
I.8*C + 32
•F 1
Degrees Fahrenheit
••••:: !" •:-
Miscellaneous
• * • • 1. .
'• ¦•••;;' *•" -..v. •¦•• .'^.':;::::v: •*-* v?*:
sy. • .«*.•.••. ........ .*....
Milligrams per Liter
mg/L
1.0
ppffl
Parts per MQlion
Micrograms per Liter |
ug/L
1.0
PPb
Pans per Billion
Cubic Meters per
Hectare
m^/ha
1.069 x 10- .
Mgal/acre
Million Gallons per
Acre
3.1-4
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TABUED U2 CONVERSION FACTORS - ENGLISH SYSTEM UNITS TO METRIC
SYSTEM UMTS
Inch
in
2^4
cm
Centimeter
Foot
ft
0.3048
m
Meter
Mile
mi
1.609
km
Kilometer
¦ -w¦ >v-y. . •'
•v ¦¦¦ . .
i:::
Square Inch
in3
6.4516
| cur
| Square Centimeter
Souare Foot
ft*
| 9 29 x 10*
m2
| Square Meter
Saaare MDe
mr
2.59
ksr
Square Kilometer
Square Mile
mr
259
ha
Hectare
Acre
acre
0.4047
ha
Hectare
* , .-W-vs.
*•' s--.- -• %v',JL*.\n v^vw v. v-w
Volume
w*-- • . >»iv^ j
Cubic Foot
ft*
28 J2
L
Liter
Cubic Foot
ft*
2.832 x Iff2
m3
Cubic Meter
Gallon
gal
3.785
L
Liter
Million Gallons
Mgai
3.7854 x Iff
itf
Cubic Meter
Acre Foot
acre-fit
1233
m3 | Cubic Meter
Pressure
Pounds per Square
Inch
lbs/in:
7.031 x Iff2
Icg/csr
Kilograms per Square
Centimeter
Mass
Pound
lb
4.539 x 102
gm
Gram
Pound
lb
0.4536
kg 1
Kilogram
Ton (short) |
T
0.9072
mt
Metric Tonne
Density
Pounds per Cubic
Foot
lbs/ft3
16.02
kg/m3
Kilograms per Cubic
Meter
Tons per Acre
T/acre
2242.15
kg/ha
Kilograms per
Hectare
Tons per Acre
T/acre
2.2421
mt/ha
Metric Tonnes per
Hectare
3.1-5
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TABLE 3.1.2 CONVERSION FACTORS - ENGLISH SYSTEM UNITS TO METRIC
SYSTEM UNITS (Continued)
rimwvfrt i
Atfjdiaiiviii ^U8u#*||3I| s\ x
ijpff i iry ¦ y
&y*7 »¦ •y*n>*xtsex)t9W3t*., y. mjjwyyfiM^
Cubic Feet per
Second
tf/sec
28J2
Usee
Liters per Second
Gallons per Mmnte
gal/mm
6.39 x Iff*
Usee
Liters per Second
Gallons per Day
gal/day
4.3813 x 104
L/sec
Liters per Second
Million Gallons per
Day
Mgal/day
43.8126
Usee
Liters per Second
Million Gallons per
Day
Mgal/day
3.7854 x lO3
mVday
Cubic Meters per Day
. >^:s^w::—'
....*. . -.. •••
A TIIIU" " 111 ir 1 ^.-iA...wi
Degrees Fahrenheit
°F
0_555(°F-32)
"C ( Degrees Celsius
Miscellaneous* . .
• :
Pans per Million
ppm
1.0 |
mg/L
Milligrams per Liter
Pans per BQlion |
ppb
1.0 |
ug/L
Micrograms per Liter
Million Gallons per
Acre
M gal/acre
9354.537
mVha
Cubic Meters per
Hectare
3.1-6
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.2
PERCENT TOTAL
SOLIDS (FS/793/02/I)
Total solids is the term applied to material residue left in a vessel after
evaporation of a sample and its subsequent drying in an oven at a defined
temperature. Total solids are comprised of the following:
• Suspended solids = the portion of total solids retained by a filter.
• Dissolved solids = the portion of total solids that pass through a
Where A = weight of dried residue + dish, g
B = weight of dish, g
C = weight of wet sample + dish, g
Please note that this equation can be found in Method 2540 G of Standard
Methods. 18th Edition and the parameters. A, B, and C, are determined
from the method. The method's protocols specify drying temperature and
test duration.
filter.
To determine percent total solids use the following equation:'
% Total Solids = (A - B) x 100
(C-B)
Method 2540 G, Standard Methods, 18th Edition.
3.2-1
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FS/793/02/1
Percent Total Solids
To determine percent total solids use the following equation:
% Total Solids = (A - B) x 100
(C-B)
Where A = weight of dried residue + dish, g
B = weight of dish, g
C = weight of wet sample + dish, g
Example #1: Determine the percent total solids from the following:
wet weight of sample + dish = 1.56 g
dry weight of sample + dish = 1.43 g
weight of dish = 1.4 g
(1.43 g -1.4 g) x 100 = 18.7 % total solids
1.56 g - 1.4 g
( g - g) x 100 = % total solids
g * g
3.2-2
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION V 111—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.3
DRY WEIGHT
BASIS (FS/793/03/1)
Laboratory results for sludge are typically reported in one of two forms,
wet weight (i.e., mg/L) or a dry weight (i.e., mg/kg). You should
request your laboratory to provide the results on a dry weight basis. In
the event that the laboratory results are reported on a wet weight basis
(i.e., in mg/L), the results for each pollutant in each sample must be
recalculated to determine the dry weight concentration. To accomplish
this conversion, the percent total solids in the sludge sample must be
known.
The following equation can be used to determine the dry weight
concentration because the equation uses the assumption that the specific
gravity of water and sewage sludge are both equal to one. However, this
assumption holds true only when the solids concentration in the sludge is
low. The calculated dry weight concentration may vary slightly from the
actual concentration as the solids content increases because the density of
the sewage sludge may no longer be equal to that of water. Typically,
this concern is unrealized as the solids content of sludge is usually low.
EPA is aware of this potential problem and may make a determination
regarding this matter at a later date.
Determine the pollutant concentration on a dry weight basis using the
following abbreviated conversion:1
PC(dry,mg/kg) = /PC(wet. mg/U)\
\ % total solids I
where PC = Pollutant Concentration
A unit conversion is incorporated into the equation.
'Analytical Methods Used in the National Sewage Sludge Survey. August 1988. U.S. EPA Office of Water Regulations and
Standards (WH-552), Industrial Technology Division, Washington, DC.
3.3-1
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FS/793/03/1
Dry Weight Basis
Determine the pollutant concentration on a dry Weight basis using the following conversion:
PC(dry,mg/kg) = / PC (wet. mg/L)\
I % total solids I
Example #1: Determine the dry weight concentrations of the pollutants.
The laboratory analysis of your sludge yielded the following results:
As - 6.6 mg/L Cd - 5.5 mg/L Cr - 192.5 mg/L Cu - 374 mg/L
Pb - 44 mg/L Hg - 0.22 mg/L Mo - 0.88 mg/L Ni - 44 mg/L
Se - 2.2 mg/L Zn - 330 mg/L
The percent solids was determined to be 22%.
Therefore, using the given equation, the dry weight concentration of As can be determined as follows:
6.6 mg/L (As.wet) = 6.6 mg/L = 30 mp/kp As, dry weight
22 % 0.22
Remember to convert the percent total solids to a decimal by multiplying by 100.
The remainder of the converted results are:
Cd = 25mg/kg, Cr = 875mg/kg, Cu= l,700mg/kg, Pb = 200mg/kg, Hg=lmg/kg, Mo = 4mg/kg,
Ni = 200mg/kg, Se=10mg/kg, Zn= l,500mg/kg
( 1mg/L = C )mg/L = ( )mg/kg dry weight
( ) % 0.
3.3-2
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 I8th Street, Stuu 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.4
ANNUAL WHOLE
SLUDGE
APPLICATION
RATE (AWSAR)
(FS/793/04/1)
The annual whole sludge application rate (AWSAR) is the maximum
amount of sewage sludge in metric tons, dry weight, that can be applied
to a hectare of land in a 365 day period. This requirement is specific to
sewage sludge sold or given away in a bag or other container for
application to land. If the sewage sludge is subject to annual pollutant
loading rates (APLR), then the sludge cannot be applied at greater than
the AWSAR to ensure that the APLRs are not exceeded. The AWSAR
limits the total amount of sewage sludge applied while the APLR limits
the amount of pollutant applied. Currently, this only applies to metals
and generally will not control applications to agricultural land.
To determine the AWSAR for each regulated pollutant, use the following
three step procedure:1
Step 1: Analyze the sewage sludge and determine the dry weight
concentration for all pollutants listed in 503.13 Table 4.
Step 2: Using the pollutant concentrations from step 1 and the APLRs
from 503.13 Table 4, calculate the AWSAR using the following
where C = the concentration of pollutant in sewage sludge, mg/kg,
dry weight
0.001 = conversion factor converting mg/kg units to metric
APLR = the 503.13 Table 4 value for that specific pollutant,
kg/ha per 365-day period
Step 3: The AWSAR for the sewage sludge is the lowest AWSAR
calculated in Step 2.
equation:
AWSAR = APLR
C X 0.001
tons
'40 CFR Part 503, Appendix A.
3.4-1
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FS/793/04/1
Annual Whole Sludge Application Rate (AWSAR)
Use the following equation to calculate the AWSAR:
AWSAR = APLR
C X 0.001
Example #1: Determine the AWSAR for your sludge
Determine the dry weight pollutant concentrations for all metals.
As=30mg/kg, Cd=25mg/kg, Cr=875mg/kg, Cu= l,700mg/kg, Pb=200mg/kg, Hg=lmg/kg,
Mo=4mg/kg, Ni=200mg/kg, Se= lOmg/kg, Zn= l,500mg/kg
Using the pollutant concentrations from above and the APLRs from 503.13 Table 4, calculate an
AWSAR for each pollutant using the given equation.
Cd => 1.9 (kg/ha) = 76 metric tons/ha/365 day period
25 (mg/kg) x .001
The remaining metals are as follows:
As = 66 mt/ha/365, Cr = 171 mt/ha/365, Cu = 44 mt/ha/365,
Pb = 75 mt/ha/365, Hg = 850 mt/ha/365, Mo = 225 mt/ha/365,
Ni = 105 mt/ha/365, Se = 500 mt/ha/365, Zn = 424 mt/ha/365
Determine the lowest AWSAR calculated. In this example, the lowest AWSAR is 44 mt/ha/365 day
period for Cu. Therefore, if the sewage sludge is applied to the land at a rate greater than 44 metric tons
per hectare per 365 day period, the APLR for Cu will be exceeded. The AWSAR for this particular
sludge is limited to 44 metric tons per hectare per year.
Please note: Since the dry weight concentration for Cu (1,700 mg/kg) exceeds the 503.13 Table
3 limit of 1,500 mg/kg, the management practices requirement 503.14 (d) is
applicable. This citation requires that bulk sewage sludge must be applied at a
whole sludge application rate that is equal to or less than the agronomic rate.
Therefore, in this example, the agronomic rate would determine the application
rate and not the AWSAR. If all of the pollutant concentrations were below 503.13
Table 3 limits, than the bulk sludge could be applied at the calculated AWSAR.
Pollutant =» (kg/ha)/365 days h- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
3.4-2
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heatherington
The agronomic rate is the amount of sludge that is needed in order to
supply the recommended amount of nitrogen (TV) for a particular type of
crop without allowing excess N to migrate below the root zone and into
the ground water. Part 503.14.d states, "Bulk sewage sludge shall not be
applied at rates above agronomic rates, with the exception of reclamation
projects when authorized by the permitting authority". The agronomic
rate can be shown as the ratio of the sewage sludge nitrogen used for the
crop (dry weight per unit area) divided by the available nitrogen in the
sludge (dry weight):1
Agronomic Rate = SLUDGE N NEEDED FOR CROP
AVAILABLE N IN SLUDGE
It was the intention of EPA that this handbook provide simplified and easy
to use calculations for help in determining compliance with Part 503.
Unfortunately, many steps are required to determine the agronomic
application rate of sludge. The steps are explained on the following
pages.
When evaluating the calculations for agronomic rate, note that soil data is
required to determine the amount of nitrogen needed for the specific crop.
Therefore, for dry land farming, deep soil monitoring should be
conducted once every five years with samples collected at one foot
intervals for a total of five feet. For irrigated farm land, samples should
be collected within the plow zone on an annual basis. If soil data is not
available, residual nitrogen from previous sludge applications can be
determined using the mineralization rate of organic nitrogen. However,
annual soil tests will provide you with a more accurate estimate of the
nitrogen content of the soil. Be advised that one individual soil sample
may not provide an accurate determination for an entire area of land.
Therefore, multiple soil samples from different locations within the field
will provide a more accurate determination of residual nitrogen content.
Additional information regarding this subject is presented on the following
page.
'Guidance for Writing Permits for the Use and Disposal of Sewage Sludge—Working Draft. March 1993.
3.5
AGRONOMIC RATE
FOR (N)
(FS/793/05/1)
3.5-1
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FS/793/05/01
AGRONOMIC RATE
Prior to conducting the calculations, several points must be noted:
Step Number 2 of Worksheet I, "Nitrogen available in the soil", indicates that you should use the
greater value of either the "Background nitrogen in the soil" or the "Available nitrogen from previous
sewage sludge applications". The distinction is made so that you do not account for residual nitrogen
in the soil twice, and therefore overestimate the actual N content of the soil.
The mineralization rates presented in Table 3.5.4 are generalized values. Your sludge may exhibit
a different rate depending upon the receiving soils and agricultural practice used. To compensate for
these estimates, model sludge programs have their soil tested on an annual basis and at a minimum
of once every two years. By conducting the tests you can determine the actual N content of your soil
at that point in time. Annual soil tests eliminate the need for mineralization rate determinations and
automatically account for residual nitrogen from previous sludge applications.
If you choose not to conduct the soil tests on an annual basis and instead determine the residual
nitrogen from previous sludge applications, you may wish to have a mineralization rate test conducted
on your sludge to determine the actual mineralization rate. Be aware that the costs associated with
mineralization tests may be much higher than an annual soil test. For assistance in obtaining
information regarding soil tests, fertilizer recommendations, and mineralization tests, a listing of
agricultural extensions is provided at the end of this fact sheet. The list includes regional
universities, phone numbers, and document numbers, if available.
Prior to determining the agronomic rate, you will need to obtain all of the information listed below:
Sludge (Data from sludge analysis)
• Percent solids
• Total kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
• NH„-N (ammonium nitrogen)
• NO3-N (nitrate)
• Organic N (TKN minus NH4-N)
Soil (Data from soil test laboratory)
• pH
• Cation-Exchange-Capacity (CEC)
• Estimated Residual N (this is either the background soil N or the residual N from previous
sludge applications)
Crop (Information obtained from farmer, farm advisor, or fertilizer guides)
• Type
• Expected yield
• Total fertilizer N recommendation
• Supplemental fertilizer N (i.e., commercial fertilizer, irrigation water, etc.)
Helpful Hint: The following conversions may be helpful in determining the agronomic rate
lb/ton x 500 = mg/kg
lbs/acre x 1.1218 = kg/ha
tons/acre x 2242.15 = kg/ha
tons/acre x 2.2421 = mt/ha
Additional conversions are provided at the back of FS/793/01/1 - Pollutant Limits.
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3.5-2
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FS/793/05/01
WORKSHEET 1-AGRONOMIC LOADING RATE SUMMARY
Key to Symbols and Abbreviations
NH„+-N = Ammonium nitrogen content of the sewage sludge obtained from analytical
testing of the sewage sludge, kg/mt (dry weight basis).
Kv = Volatilization factor estimating ammonium nitrogen remaining after atmospheric
losses.
Org-N = Organic nitrogen content of the sewage sludge obtained from analytical testing,
kg/mt (dry weight basis).
F
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FS/793/05/1
Worksheet 2. Calculating Mineralized Organic Nitrogen
The organic nitrogen in sewage sludge continues to decompose and release mineral nitrogen through the
mineralization process for several years following its initial application. This residual nitrogen from the
previously applied sludge must be accounted for as part of the overall nutrient budget when determining
the agronomic rate for sewage sludge. The following procedures calculate mineralized organic nitrogen.
These calculations must be done for each yearly sewage sludge application (see example calculations).
Table 3.5.1
1.
Year
2.
Starting N (kg/ha)
3.
Mineralization Rate
(Table 3.5.4)
4.
Mineralized Org-
N(kg/ha)
5.
Org-N
Remaining
(kg/ha)
0-1 (first
application)
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5
Summary of steps needed to complete the table:
(the numbers correspond to the columns in the table)
1. Number of years after initial application.
2. In the first year, this equals the amount of N initially applied. In subsequent years, it represents
the amount of Org-N remaining from the previous year (i.e. column 5).
3. The Org-N content of the applied sewage sludge continues to be mineralized, at decreasing rates,
for years after initial application. See Table 3.5.4 for mineralization rates.
4. Multiply column 2 times column 3.
5. Subtract column 4 from column 2.
A detailed example of the above table is presented on the following page.
3.5-4
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FS/793/05/1
Example
Assume sewage sludge was applied to the site at a rate of 5 mt/ha with a 3% org-N content (dry weight
basis) in 1986. The following year, 1987, 3 mt/ha of sewage sludge (same org-N contents as 1986) was
applied to the same site. No sewage sludge was applied to the site after 1987. It is now 1990 and you
want to calculate the available nitrogen from previous sludge applications.
1986 - org-N in sludge applied = (0.03) (5 mt/ha) (1,000 kg/mt) = 150 kg/ha
1987 - org-N in sludge applied = (0.03) (3 mt/ha) (1,000 kg/mt) = 90 kg/ha
Calculate the residual nitrogen from 1986 and 1987 in the following manner (assume sludge is
anaerobically digested and use corresponding Table 3.5.4 value):
Table 3.5.2
Year*
Starting N
(kg/ha)
Mineralization Rate
(Table 3.5.4)
Mineralized Org-
N
(kg/ha)
Org-N
Remaining
(kg/ha)
1986 Sewage Sludge
0-1 (first
application -
1986)
150
0.2
30
120
1-2 (1987
120
0.1
12
108
2-3 (1988)
108
0.05
5.40
102.60
3-4 (1989)
102.60
0.03
3.08
99.52
4-5 (1990)
99.52
0.03
2.99
96.53
1987 Sewage Sludge
0-1 (first
application -
1987)
90
0.2
18
72
1-2 (1988)
72
0.1
7.2
64.80
2-3 (1989)
64.8
0.05
3.24
61.56
3-4 (1990)
61.56
0.03
1.85
59.71
To determine the total org-N remaining from the sewage sludge applied in 1986 and 1987, add the last
value in the last column of the table for the 1986 sewage sludge to the last value in the last column of
the table for the 1987 sewage sludge (i.e., 96.53 + 59.71 = 156.24 kg/ha). Total org-N remaining in
1990 is 156.24 kg/ha.
3.5-5
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FS/793/05/1
Table 3.53
Volatilization Factors (Kv)
If Sewage Sludge Is:
Factor Kv Is:
Liquid and surface applied
.50
Liquid and injected into the soil
1.0
Dewatered and applied in any manner
1.0
Table 3.5.4
Mineralization Rate*
Time after sludge
application (Year)
% of Org-N
Mineralized from
Aerobically Digested
Sludge
% of Org-N Mineralized
from Anaerobically
Digested Sludge
% of Org-N
Mineralized from
Composted Sludge
0-1
30
20
10
1-2
15
10
5
2-3
8
5
3
3-4
4
3
3
4-5
3
3
3
~Percentage of Org-N present mineralized during the time interval shown
3.5-6
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FS/793/05/1
Listing of Agricultural Extensions
Table 3.5.5
University
Phone Number*
Document Number*"
Colorado State
(303)-491-6198
XCM-37
Utah State
(801) 750-2251
XC4-31
Wyoming
(307) 766-1121
Not Available
South Dakota State
(605) 688-4601
EC-750
North Dakota State
(701) 237-8881
SF-882
Montana State
(406) 994-0211
Extension Service Catalog
Washington State
(509) 335-2857
Educational Materials Catalog
Idaho State
(208) 885-7982
Extension Service Catalog
Oregon State
(503) 737-2513
"Beneficial Use of Sewage Sludge"
Manual 8
*Number provided is usually for the extension service document room but if not, have your call directed
towards the Agricultural Extension Service.
**If a document number is not provided, please ask for the general catalog as the extension service has
different documents for different crop types. You may want the entire catalog so as to choose which
document(s) is right for you.
In general, when contacting your regional agricultural extension, ask for the fertilizer guide or fertilizer
recommendation document. Some extension services have different guides for different plants so you
may want to obtain the catalog of available guides. Most of the extension services will charge a fee for
these documents. For soil tests, you should contact the soil lab through the numbers provided above.
3.5-7
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3.5-8
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION Vlll—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver. Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X —NPDES Brancn—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.6
ANNUAL
POLLUTANT
LOADING RATE
(APLR) (FS/793/06/1)
The annual pollutant loading rate (APLR) is the maximum amount of a
pollutant that can be applied to a unit area of land during a 365 day
period. The APLRs are established standards and are presented in Part
503.13 Table 4. By using the following equation, you can calculate the
actual pollutant loading that occurred during a given 365 day period.
These calculated values can then be compared to the APLRs in Table 4
to determine if the APLRs for the given area of land have been
exceeded. The APLR applies only to sludge that is sold or given away
in a bag or other container.
To determine the actual pollutant loading (PL) to an area of land use the
following equation:1
PL = PC X AR X 0.001
where PL is the pollutant loading (kg/ha),
PC is the pollutant concentration (mg/kg),
AR is the application rate (kg/ha),
and 0.001 is a conversion factor.
'40 CFR Part 503, App A.
3.6-1
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FS/793/06/1
Annual Pollutant Loading Rate
To determine the actual pollutant loading (PL) to an area of land use the following equation:
PL = PC X AR X 0.001
where PL is the pollutant loading (kg/ha),
PC is the pollutant concentration (mg/kg),
AR is the application rate (kg/ha),
and 0.001 is a conversion factor
Example #1: Determine the pollutant loading rates (PL) of your sludge.
The laboratory results of your sludge yielded the following dry weight results:
As = 30 mg/kg, Cd=25 mg/kg, Cr = 875 mg/kg, Cu= 1,700 mg/kg, Pb = 200 mg/kg,
Hg=l mg/kg, Mo=4 mg/kg, Ni=200 mg/kg, Se=10 mg/kg, Zn= 1,500 mg/kg
The application rate (AR) of the sludge is 3 mtons/60 ha = 50 kg/ha.
Now use the PL equation presented above to calculate the pollutant loading rates (PL).
Cd => 25 mg/kg X 50 kg/ha X 0.001 = 1.25 kg/ha
The remainder of the calculated values are:
As = 1.5 kg/ha, Cr = 43.75 kg/ha, Cu = 85 kg/ha, Pb = 10 kg/ha,
Hg = 0.05 kg/ha, Mo = 0.2 kg/ha, Ni = 10 kg/ha, Se = 0.5 kg/ha,
Zn = 75 kg/ha
Please note: The calculated pollutant loading for Cu exceeds the APLR Table 4 values.
Therefore, this sludge could not be applied at the given rate per hectare.
Cd => mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
3.6-2
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION vm—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500. Denver. Colorado 80202
Mr Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seaaie, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.7
CUMULATIVE
POLLUTANT
LOADING RATE
(CPLR) (FS/793/07/1)
The cumulative pollutant loading rate (CPLR) is the maximum amount
of a pollutant that can be applied to an area of land. In other words, the
CPLR is the total mass of the pollutant (on a dry weight basis) that may
be applied to a unit area of land during the entire life of the application
site. The CPLR applies to bulk sewage sludge applied to agricultural
land, forest, public contact site, or a reclamation site. In order to
ensure that you do not exceed the CPLR, you will need to track the
actual loadings using the pollutant loading equation provided in
FS/793/06/1. Once you have determined the actual pollutant loading
rate, use the following equation to determine the CPLR.
The equation is presented below:
Leb PL = PLb + PL
_i_ pi — rpi d
intermediate applications ' e
where L - summation
b - the start time of sludge application
e = the end time of sludge application
PL = actual pollutant loading
To develop an overall picture of the how the CPLR affects your
application site, you can predict the estimated site life of your
application site given the sludge characteristics remain the same.
The site life is determined with the use of the following equation:'
Site Life, yr = CPLR
PL
where CPLR = the Table 2 value for a specific pollutant
PL = the actual annual sludge pollutant loading rate
'Guidance for Writing Permits for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge—Working Draft, pg 4-33.
3.7-1
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FS/793/07/1
Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate
Example #1: Determine the actual CPLR for a given land application site:
The laboratory results of your sludge yielded the following dry weight results:
As = 30 mg/kg, Cd=25 mg/kg, Cr=875 mg/kg, Cu= 1,700 mg/kg, Pb = 200 mg/kg,
Hg=l mg/kg, Mo=4 mg/kg, Ni=200 mg/kg, Se= 10 mg/kg, Zn= 1,500 mg/kg
Using the PL calculation from FS/793/06/01, the 1993 pollutant loading (PL) for zinc was
determined to be = 75 kg/ha/365 day period.
Use the following table to determine the actual CPLR for zinc for the land application site.
Similar tables would need to be developed for the remaining pollutants.
Table 3.7.1
Tracking Cumulative Pollutant Loading for Zinc (Example)
Year
Actual Pollutant
Concentration
(mg/kg)
Application Rate
(kg/ha)
Actual
Pollutant
Loading
(kg/ha)
Cumulative Pollutant
Loading at End of Year
(kg/ha)
1993
1,500
50
75
75
1994
1,200
50
60
135 (75+60)
1995
1,350
50
67.5
202.5 (135 + 67.5)
1996
1,425
50
71.25
273.75 (202.5 + 71.25)
1997
1,275
50
63.75
337.5 (273.75 + 63.75)
Therefore, after 5 years of applying sewage sludge to the land application site, the actual cumulative
loading for zinc was determined to be 337.5 kg/ha, or approximately 12 percent of the 2,800 kg/ha CPLR
for zinc.
The calculated CPLR for zinc listed in the above table is identical to the calculated value using the given
equation:
Eeb PL = PLb + PLjntemiediate applications + PLe = CPLR
Ej,97 PL = 75 + 60 + 67.5 + 71.25 + 63.75 = 337.5 kg/ha
3.7-2
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FS/793/07/1
Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate—Continued
Example #2: Determine the site life of your land application site.
The PLs for the sludge had been previously determined from FS/793/06/01:
As = 1.5 kg/ha, Cd = 1.25 kg/ha Cr = 43.75 kg/ha, Cu = 85 kg/ha, Pb = 10 kg/ha,
Hg = 0.05 kg/ha, Mo = 0.2 kg/ha, Ni = 10 kg/ha, Se = 0.5 kg/ha, Zn = 75 kg/ha
Calculate the years an inorganic pollutant can be land applied by utilizing the following equation:
Site Life, yr = CPLR
PL
Using the given equation, the site life for Arsenic can be determined as follows:
As = 41 (kg/ha) = 27.3 years
1.5 (kg/ha)/yr
Site life for the remaining metals are: Cd= 31.2 yr, Cr= 68.4 yr, Cu= 17.6 yr, Pb= 30 yr,
Hg= 340 yr, Mo= 90 yr, Ni= 42 yr, Se= 200 yr, Zn= 37.2 yr
Determine the lowest number of years calculated, which is 17.6 years for Cu. This is the period that
sewage sludge can be applied to the land without causing any of the cumulative loading rates in 503.13
Table 2 to be exceeded.
3.7-3
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3.7-4
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION VI11—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X —NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Rtchard Heathenngton
3.8
SPECIFIC OXYGEN
UPTAKE RATE
(SOUR) (FS/793/08/1)
SOUR is the mass of oxygen consumed per unit time per unit mass of
total solids (dry weight basis) in the sewage sludge. The vector
attraction potential of sewage sludge treated in an aerobic process can be
shown to be adequately reduced if the SOUR determined at 20°C is
equal to or less than 1.5 mg of oxygen per hour per gram of total
sewage sludge solids.
The following calculation can be used to determine the SOUR of a
specific sludge sample:1
SOUR,(mg/g)/hr = Q-, consumption rate (mg/L)/min X 60 min
Total solids, g/L hr
To determine the parameters involved in the equation please refer to
Methods 2710 B and 2540 G of Standard Methods, 18th Edition for the
0: consumption rate and total solids, respectively.
'Method 2710 B, Standard Methods, 18th Edition.
3.8-1
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FS/793/08/1
Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR)
The following calculation can be used to determine the SOUR of a specific sludge sample:
SOUR,(mg/g)/hr = O, consumption rate (mg/LVmin X 60 min
Total solids, g/L hr
Example 1: Calculate the SOUR.
The following information was determined from Methods 2710 B and 2540 G of Standard Methods, 18th
Edition, respectively:
- Oxygen consumption rate = .025 (mg/L)/min
- Total solids = 1 g/L
Use the given equation to calculate the SOUR:
SOUR, (mg/g)/hr = .025 (mg/LVmin x 60 min =1.5 (mg/g)/hr
1 g/L hr
Given the calculated SOUR of 1.5 (mg/g)/hr indicates that the vector attraction reduction accomplished
through digestion was adequate for compliance.
SOUR, (mg/g)/hr = (mg/LVmin x 60 min = (mg/g)/hr
g/L hr
3.8-2
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION V111—AIPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500. Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—AIPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue. Seanie, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.9 The density of microorganisms is defined as the number of
DENSITY OF MICRO- microorganisms per unit mass of total solids (dry weight). Density of
ORGANISMS microorganisms is expressed differently for different organisms:
(FS/793/09/1)
• Helminth ova are observed and counted as individuals under a
microscope.
• Viruses are usually counted in plaque-forming units (PFUs)
• Bacteria are counted in colony-forming units (CFUs) or most
probable number (MPN). A CFU is a count of colonies on an
agar plate or filter disk. MPN is a statistical estimate of
numbers in an original sample.
The density of helminth ova, enteric viruses, and Salmonella, sp. is
expressed as numbers, PFUs, and CFUs per 4 grams of sewage sludge,
dry weight. For numbers, PFUs, and CFUs, this terminology is used
because most of the tests started with 100 ml of sewage sludge which
typically contained 4 grams of sewage sludge. The MPN number,
based on certain probability formulas, is an estimate of the mean density
of coliforms in the sample and is presented per gram of sewage sludge,
dry weight.
For detailed examples of how to calculate numbers, PFUs. CFUs, and
MPN, please refer to the following pages which were provided by Doug
Rice of the Colorado State University Environmental Quality
Laboratory.
(NOTE: Sewage sludge solids content should always be determined
when measuring microorganism densities in sewage sludge.^
3.9-1
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Credit: Doug Rice, CSU Environmental Quality Lab
Microbiological Calculations for 503 Sludge Analysis
L Dry Weight Calculation:
The dry weight calculation is the most important step in sludge analysis since all results are based on tiiis
number. Step one is to determine how much of the total weight of the sludge is due to the solid portion.
The tare or empty weight of the drying dish must be subtracted from both the wet and dry weights:!
Perant Dry Weight - Dry w^ht ¦ Tate waight J ,QQ
Wet weight ¦ Tare weight
Step two is to determine the multiplication factor to be used for all of the results. This factor tells us what
the result will be if all the analyte came from the solids. Low moisture sludge will liave small
multiplication factors and high moisture sludge will have large multiplication factors:
Multiplic.ti.nf.ctor - «»'w*9ht • Tot w#t
Dry weight • Tare weight
IL Most Probable Number Calculation:
The Most Probable Number (MPN) is a statistical estimate of microbial populations. By counting the
number of "positive" tubes at each dilution a result can be calculated from a standard table. This result
must then be modified by the "multiplication factor" to obtain the population per gram dry weight.
Step 1:
MPN/g wet - MPN from table x -Middle tubs" Dilution factor
100
Step 2:
MPN / g Dry Weight - MPN / g wet X Multiplication Factor
Step 3: For Salmonella, the results must be reported per 4 grams.
Salmonella 14 g - 4 X MPN I g dry weight
Hr. Membrane Filtration Calculation:
The Membrane Filtration (MF) calculation is a direct count of the viable population. The result is
obtained by counting the number of colonies on the membrane and multiplying by the dilution factor of
the plate that was counted. Again the result must be modified by the multiplication factor" to obtain the
population per gram dry weight.
Step 1:
Colony Forming Units (CFU) / g wet - CFU X Dilution factor
Step 2:
CFU I g dry weight - CFU I g wet X Multiplication Factor
Examples of these calculations can be seen on the following data sheets.
3.9-2
-------
503 Sludge Calculations Worksheet
Salmonella Example A:
Percent Dry Weight - 3.7015-1.4012 x joo - 23.02%,
11.3925-1.4012
Multiplication factor - 11.3925-1.4012 _ 4 34 „
3.7015-1.4012 '2302
4
Salmonella/g wet - X 1 (diin. of Middle tube) - 0.04
100
Salmonella / g Dry Weight - 0.04/g wet X 4.34 - 0.17 MPN/g dry
Salmonella / 4 g dry weight - 4 X MPNI g dry weight - 0.69 MPN14 g dry
MPN Fecal Coliform Example B:
Percent Dry Weight - 6.8392-1.4095 x 10q - 50.78%
12.1015- 1.4095
I V\m^
Multiplication factor - 12.1015 • 1.4095 _ _
6.8392-1.4095 ,5078
Fecal colif./g wet - , ^ . X 1000 (diln. of Middle tube) - 1,100/gwet
100
Fecal colif. / g Dry Weight - 1,100 /g wet X 1.97 - 2,187 MPN I g dry
MF Fecal Colifrom Example C:
Percent Dry Weight - 2.0915 • 1.4000 x ^ _ 7
11.0132-1.4000
K>n^
Multiplication factor - 11-0132 • 1.4000 _ ^ g _
2.0915-1.4000 ,u/13
Colony Forming Units (CFU) I g wet - 35 X 10,000 - 350,000/gwet
Fecal colif. / g dry weight - 350,000 X 13.9 - 4,865.000 FC / q dry
3.9-3
-------
DRY WEIGHTS - SLUDGE ANALYSIS
SOURCE. DATE REFORTED:
Sample lO Pan # Tare Weight Wet Wesgrit Dry Weight % Solids X
I
A
l.MOl 1
-3 3.M
H
*5 Ai\ nrtO AflfiQa-
i
1
ft :
2r>
I .MoqA
\1.IOi^
SO.l
9>
i ,qi
- Gr^CL
1
i
|
(L
v<*
1. Moo
1 1 . O l^TL
2.oq !<.
t-.U
1
1
i
i
1
SLUDGE ANALYSIS Source: TWJ- Data Recetved: 7-llSlli Oata Run; + ) »sj^3 Date Reported ? 121 /3
Sampla Sample Competition Dilution If Poiitive . # Poutiva m-FC
IQ Data Fecal colrformi Salmonella
n
irs
p
1 1
ie\vd
1
<7i !
-I
1
1 I
' !
a
h-oirt
-Pv
t
1
YViPa/- <1.*
-s n\\A
-1 ft
t
-t. ! ^
;
:
! 2,
!
1
- H
1
i
1
A
i
1
r
£nr*Q if *
3>|2z]4^
Liquid
-3
1
TAJTC.
-H
j
.
'
-6"
1
*
1
1
1
!
1
i
'
.
3.9-4
-------
Standard MPN Table
0-0-0
<2
4-1-2
26
0-0-1
2
4-2-0
22
0-1-0
2
4-2-1
26
0-2-0
4
4-3-0
27
1-0-0
2
4-3-1
33
1-0-1
4
4-4-0
34
1-1-0
4
5-0-0
23
1-1-1
6
5-0-1
31
1-2-0
6
5-0-2
43
2-0-0
4
5-1-0
33
2-0-1
7
5-1-1
46
2-1-0
7
5-1-2
63
2-1-1
9
5-2-0
49
2-2-0
9
5-2-1
70
2-2-1
11
5-2-2
94
2-3-0
12
5-3-0
79
3-0-0
8
5-3-1
110
3-0-1
11
5-3-2
140
3-0-2
13
5-3-3
180
3-1-0
11
5-4-0
130
3-1-1
14
5-4-1
170
3-1-2
16
5-4-2
220
3-2-0
14
5-4-3
280
3-2-1
17
5-4-4
350
3-2-2
19
5-5-0
240
3-3-0
17
5-5-1
350
4-0-0
13
5-5-2
540
4-0-1
17
5-5-3
920
4-1-0
17
5-5-4
1600
4-1-1
21
5-5-5
>1600
If a series of dilutions are made, select the highest dilution in which all tubes are positive, then
also use the two next higher dilutions.
MPN/g wet - X "Middle tube" Dilution factor
100
3.9-5
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Environmental Health Services Laboratory
B-226 Microbiology Building
(303) 491-6729 or 491-4837
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 05 March 1993
TO: Wayne Ramey
City of Louisville
749 Main St.
Louisville, Colorado 80027
FROM: Douglas Rice
Laboratory Director
samples of sludge were tested for Fecal coliform and Salmonella populations. The fecal
coliform population was determined by the MPN method (Part 9221 E). The Salmonella
species population was determined by the MPN/Streak plate method (Part 9260D). The sludge
samples were received on 2/19/93. Lab analysis occured on 2/19/93.
/
RESULTS: (per gram dry weight)
A: 1st Quarter
1992
B: 2nd Quarter
1992
C: 3rd Quarter
1992
D: 4 th Quarter
1992
E: Composite
1991
Fecal Coliform
MPN/ sn^
<6
<7
1,120
>4,464
72
Salmons
MPN/4 em
<0.3
<0.3
<0.3
<0.2
<0.2
Solids
31.2%
28.9%
31.2%
35.8%
45.9%
3.9-6
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BIOSOLIDS FACT SHEET
EPA REGION VIII—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street, Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
Mr. Robert Brobst
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathenngton
3.10
ANNUAL
APPLICATION RATE
FOR DOMESTIC
SEPTAGE
(FS/793/10/1)
The maximum volume of domestic septage which can be land applied in
any 365-day period can not exceed the agronomic rate. Thus, the
annual application rate for domestic septage depends on the amount of
nitrogen required by the vegetation grown on the application site. This
equation is only slightly different than the equation for agronomic rate
because available nitrogen in domestic septage is assumed to be constant
rather than a calculated number. Due to the similarities between this
equation and the equation for agronomic rate, the steps needed to
determine the amount of nitrogen needed have not been included in this
fact sheet and can be found in the Agronomic Rate Fact Sheet No.
FS/793/05/1 (use Steps 2 through 6).
Determine the annual application rate for domestic septage using the
following equation:1
AAR = N
0.0026
Where AAR = Annual application rate in gallons per acre per 365'
day period
N = Amount of nitrogen in pounds per acre per 365-day
period needed by the crop or vegetation grown on the land
0.0026 = Predetermined amount of nitrogen in domestic
septage.
'40 CFR 503.13(c).
3.10-1
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FS/792/10/1
Annual Application Rate for Domestic Septage
Determine the annual application rate for domestic septage using the following equation:
AAR = N
0.0026
Where AAR = Annual application rate in gallons per acre per 365-day period
N = Amount of nitrogen in pounds per acre per 365-day period needed by the crop or vegetation
grown on the land
0.0026 = Predetermined amount of nitrogen in domestic septage.
Example #1: Determine the annual application rate of domestic septage needed for corn.
It was previously determined from a local agricultural school's soil suitability guide, that corn needs
approximately 250 lbs of N/acre/365-day period. Therefore, calculate the AAR using the given equation:
AAR for corn = 2501bs./acre/365-dav period = 96,153 gal/acre/365 days
0.0026
The calculated value indicates that the corn crop will require 96,153 gallons of domestic septage per acre
per 365-day period to supply the required nitrogen.
AAR for = lbs, per acre per 365-dav period
0.0026
3.10-2
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BIOSOLIDS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
EPA REGION vra—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
999 18th Street. Suite 500, Denver, Colorado 80202
EPA REGION X—NPDES Branch—Permits Program
1200 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
Mr. Richard Heathertngton
Mr. Robert Brobst
SECTION 4
LABORATORY
EVALUATION
After reading the information regarding pollutant concentrations,
pathogen and vector attraction reduction determinations, and commonly
required calculations, it should be obvious that you will need to have
your sludge analyzed periodically. It is quite likely that you do not
have the on-site capability to conduct all of the required analyses for
503 compliance determinations. More likely, most POTWs will
contract with a commercial laboratory to conduct the required analyses.
Choosing a lab capable of conducting your analyses is often difficult,
but making sure that lab personnel follow your directions and the
requirements found in 40 CFR Part 503 can be even harder. If you
forget all the information contained within this Laboratory Section,
please remember one crucial point: You're responsible for ensuring
that approved analytical methods are followed and accurate reports
generated, not the lab! As the permit holder, it is your responsibility
to make sure that only EPA approved analytical methods are used, that
the results are reported in a usable and consistent manner, and that all
of the required information is contained within the lab analysis report.
Therefore, it is imperative that you take charge of the situation when
dealing with a lab and require that they follow your specific directions.
This section was developed to provide you with guidance in choosing a
lab. It is organized into the following four tables:
• Table 4.1—List of Labs by Region
• Table 4.2—Estimated Price Ranges for Selected Analyses
• Table 4.3—Example Analysis Request Form
• Table 4.4—Questions to be Asked when Choosing a Lab.
The information on each table is briefly described in the following
pages.
4-1
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LABORATORY EVALUATION
TABLE 4.1
The Region VIII lab list was generated from the phone book and by EPA knowledge of labs operating
within the Region. For Region X, the lab list was generated from each state's Quality Assurance listing,
which lists the certified labs operating within their respective state. From these lists, private commercial
labs (i.e., Boise Cascade and Boeing Aerospace Co.), labs that did not perform the required analyses,
and all POTWs were excluded. However, not all identified labs provided EPA with information on the
analyses they commonly perform and associated prices (for Table 4.2).
When reviewing Table 4.1, it is important that you keep two things in mind. First, the identification of
these labs DOES NOT represent an EPA endorsement of any of them. Second, this list of labs should
not be considered a complete list of all laboratories capable of performing the requested analyses. If you
are aware of an additional lab, or know that one of the labs listed does not perform the required analyses,
please inform either Bob Brobst (Region VIII) or Dick Heatherington (Region X) at the addresses
provided. This list will be updated periodically to reflect additional information.
TABLE 4.2
The price ranges in Table 4.2 were developed from only a percentage of all the labs listed in Table 4.1.
The number of labs column on Table 4.2 indicates how many labs provided price quotes for each
analysis. Thus, when the number of labs is low (i.e., less than five), the actual prices for analyses (i.e.,
Salmonella, sp.) may be expected to be outside the estimated range. Conversely, when the number of
labs is high (i.e., greater than 20), actual prices for the analyses should typically fall within the estimated
range shown on the table. The estimated price ranges did not differ significantly from Region to Region
so all information was included on one table. Again, if you find the information to be incorrect or
missing, please notify the EPA Regional Sludge coordinator.
Two additional points should be made in regards to the micro-biological tests. In regards to Helminth
Ova, the $50.00 fee is for screening only, in which the presence of any Ova are determined.
Determination as to exact number, and whether the Ova are viable, is a complex test which may be
expensive and it may be very difficult to find a laboratory to conduct the detailed test. Therefore, if
through screening the presence of ova are determined, it can be assumed that they are viable. In regards
to Salmonella, note that Part 503 requires the results to be reported per four grams. After receiving your
results, determine whether the results were reported per four grams and if not, you will need to multiply
your results by four.
4-2
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LABORATORY EVALUATION-Continued
TABLE 4.3
Table 4.3 presents an example analysis request form to be used prior to shipping sludge samples for
analysis. To conform with EPA approved analytical methodology and to receive an acceptable data
analysis report, the POTW must provide the contract lab not only with the sludge sample but with
additional information as well. The example analysis request form serves two purposes: 1) it provides
the contract laboratory with important information needed to accurately perform the requested analyses
and generate an acceptable report; and 2) it supplies, in writing, a detailed description of analytical
methods to be used as well as the required report format. It also provides a reference for the required
analytical methodologies. POTWs are encouraged to use this form as is or modify it to meet your site-
specific needs.
TABLE 4.4
Table 4.4 presents questions that you may ask when choosing a lab or when attempting to distinguish
between two or more labs. The questions on this table are not to be considered an absolute list but may
provide some direction for your individualized questions. Also, there is no grading policy associated with
these questions. If a lab does not answer a question to your satisfaction, inquire as to why they operate
in that manner. In the event the lab cannot answer your questions to your satisfaction, you may wish to
deal with another lab.
4-3
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Table 4.1
List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X
Region VIII
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Colorado
ACCU Labs Research
4663 Table Mountain Drive
Golden, CO 80403-1650
(303) 277-9517
ACZ Laboratories, Inc.
30400 Downhill Drive
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
(800) 334-5493
Analytica Incorporated
18000 West Highway 72
Golden, CO 80403
(303) 420-4449
Analytical Technologies, Inc.
225 Commerce Drive
Fort Collings, CO 80524
(303) 426-1215
Barringer Laboratories, Inc.
15000 West 6th Avenue
Suite 300
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 277-1687
Cenref Labs
695 North 7th
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 659-0497
Colorado Analytical Laboratory
P.O. Box 507
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 659-2313
Colorado Department of Health
Laboratory Division
4210 East 11th Avenue
Denver, CO 80230
(303) 331-4530
Core Laboratories
1300 South Potomac
Aurora, CO 80012
(303) 751-1780
CSU Soil Testing Laboratory
Vocational Education Building, Room 6
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(303) 491-5061
CSU Environmental Quality Lab (Micro Lab)
C210 Rockwell Hall
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(303) 491-4837
CTC-Geotek
3455 Chelton Loop S
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(303) 698-1050
4-4
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Table 4.1
List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X (Continued)
Region VIII
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Enseco Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratory
4955 Yarrow Street
Arvada, CO 80002
(303) 421-6611
Environmental Science and Engineering
7330 South Alton Way
Suite N
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 741-0639
Geo Environmental Services Inc.
400 Corporate Circle
Suite F
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 279-4655
Hauser Laboratories
5555 Airport Boulevard
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 443-4662
Phoenix Analytical Laboratories Inc.
3401 Industrial Lane
Broomfield, CO 80020
(303) 469-1101
Stewart Environmental Consultants
214 North Howes
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(303) 482-1348
Vista Laboratories
325 Interlocken Parkway
Suite 200
Broomfield. CO 80021
(303) 469-8868
Montana
Chen-Northem, Inc.
528 Smelter Avenue
P.O. Box 949
Great Falls, MT 59403
(406) 453-1641
Energy Labs, Billings
1107 South Broadway
P.O. Box 30916
Billings, MT 59107
(800) 735-4489
Inter Mountain La bora tones
910 Technology Boulevard
Suite B
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 586-8450
MSE Inc., Butte
106 South Parkmont
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 494-1502
4-5
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Table 4.1
List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X (Continued)
Region VIQ
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Mattingly Testing Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 3126
Great Falls, MT 59403
v.
(406) 452-8752
Montana Department of Health Sc. Environmental Sciences
Chemistry Lab
Cogswell Building, Room 216
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 657-2294
North Dakota
Minnesota Valley Testing Labs
1411 S. 12th Street
P.O. Box 1873
Bismarck, ND
(701) 258-9720
North Dakota Department Of Health State Labs
2635 E. Main
P.O. Box 937
Bismarck, ND 58502-0937
(701) 221-6140
South Dakota
Energy Labs
P.O. Box 2470
Rapid City, SD 57709
(605) 342-1225
Twin City Testing
2821 Plant Street
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 348-5850
South Dakota Department of Health State Labs
500 East Capital
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3368
Utah
Data Chem
960 West Lavoy Drive
Murray, UT 84123
(801) 266-7700
Utah Department of Health-Water Quality
288 N 1460 West
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 538-6930
Wyoming
Energy Labs
P.O. Box 3258
Casper, WY 82602
(307) 235-0515
4-6
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Table 4.1
List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X (Continued)
Region X
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Idaho
Alchem Laboratory
104 W. 31st St
Boise, Idaho 83714
(208) 336-1172
Hibbs-Analytical Laboratories
1804 N. 33rd St
Boise, Idaho 83703
(208) 342-5515
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
2105 Ironwood Court
Couer d'Alene, Idaho 83814
(208) 667-8011
Star Valley Laboratories
One Government Gulch
Kellog, Idaho 83837
Dr. Blake Johnson
(208) 784-1258
Oregon
Analytical Laboratory & Consultants, Inc.
361 W. 5th
Eugene, Oregon 97401
(503) 485-8404
Applied Science Laboratory
1775 Vista Dr. NW
Tillamook, Oregon 97141
(503) 842-5366
Century Testing Laboratories
1444 NW College Way
Bend, Oregon 97701
(503) 382-6432
Chester Lab NET (Keystone/WEA)
12242 SW Garden PI
Tigard, Oregon 97223-8246
(503) 624-2183
Coffey Laboratories
12423 NE Whitaker Way
Portland, Oregon 97230
(503) 254-1794
Department of Environmental Quality
Laboratory Division
1712 SW 11th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97201
(503) 229-5983
Nielson Research Corporation
245 S Grape St
Medford, Oregon 97501
(503) 770-5678
Oregon Analytical Laboratory (PGE)
14655 SW Old Scholls Ferry Road
Beaverton, Oregon 97007
(503) 644-5300
4-7
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Table 4.1
List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X (Continued)
Region X
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Umpqua Research Company
626 NE Division
Myrtle Creek, Oregon 97457
(503) 863-5201
Waterlab Corporation
2609 12 St SE
Salem, Oregon 97302
(503) 363-0473
Willowlake Laboratory
5915 Windsor Island Road N
Salem, Oregon 97303
(503) 588-6380
Washington
AAA Superior Lab
16924 Curtis Road
Cheney, WA 99004
(509) 448-1740
Advanced Analytical Services
E 1514 Sprague Avenue
Spokane, WA 99202
(800) 366-8596
Alden Analytical Labs
1001 Klickitat Way SW
Seattle. WA 98134
(206) 623-3660
AnTest
14603 NE 87th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
(206) 885-1664
Analytical Resources, Inc.
333 Ninth Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 621-6490
Analytical Technologies (Renton)
560 Naches Avenue SW, Suite 101
Renton, WA 98055
(206) 228-8335
Bioconsultants, Inc
2897 152nd Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(206) 869-4224
Cascade Analytical, Inc.
3019 GS Center Road
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 662-1888
Columbia Analytical Services (Kelso)
P.O. Box 479
Kelso, WA 98626
(206) 577-7222
ELF ATOCHEM North America
2901 Taylor Way
Tacoma. WA 98421
(206) 596-6841
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4-8
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Table 4.1
List or Laboratories for Regions VIII and X (Continued)
Region X
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Friedman & Bruya
3008-B 16th Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 285-8282
Inland Environmental Laboratories
Spokane Industrial Park
S-19, E1681C Euclid
Spokane, WA 99216
(509) 928-5651
11 1 Rayonier (Hoquian)
P.O. Bo* 299, 23rd and Railroad
Hoquian, WA 98550
(206) 532-1410
Manchester Environmental Lab (EPA & Ecology)
7411 Beach Drive East
Manchester, WA 98353
(206) 895-4737
METRO Environmental Labs
322 West Ewing
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 684-2301
North Creek Analytical (Bothell)
18939 120th Avenue NE, Suite 101
Bothell, WA 98011
(206) 481-9200
Orion Labs
3007 Pacific Highway East, C-6
Fife, WA 98424
(206) 922-9008
Pacific NW Environmental Lab
6645 185th NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(206) 885-0083
Sound Analytical Services
4813 Pacific Highway E
Tacoma, WA 98424
(206) 922-2310
Spectra Labs, Inc.
2221 Ross Way
Tacoma, WA 98421
(206) 272-4850
Tacoma Technical Support Lab
2201 Portland Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98421
(206) 591-5594
Treclen Laboratories
P.O. Box 14642, N. 1403 Green Street #4
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 535-5501
Water Management Laboratories, Inc.
1515 80th Street East
Tacoma, WA 98404
(206) 531-3121
4-9
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Table 4.1
List of Laboratories for Regions VIII and X (Continued)
Region X
Laboratory
Telephone Number
Weyerhaeuser Analytical and Testing Services
WTC 2F25
Tacoma, WA 98477
(206) 924-6148
WPPSS Environmental Sciences
P.O. Box 968 (Mail Drop 280)
Richland, WA 99352
(509) 377-8462
Alaska
Chemical and Geological Laboratory
5633 B Street
Anchorage, AK 99518
(907) 561-5301
Kuparuk Industrial Center (KJC) Lab
Pouch 340065
Deadhorse, AX 99734
(907) 562-2343
Northern Testing Laboratories, Inc.
Fairbanks:
3330 Industrial Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Anchorage:
2505 Fairbanks Street
Anchorage, AK 99518
(907) 456-3116
(907) 277-8378
Onsite Analytical Labs, Inc.
Anchorage
Kenai
Fairbanks
(907) 272-6725
(907) 283-9442
(907) 451-6724
4-10
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Table 4.2
Estimated Price Ranges for Selected Analyses
Region VIII and X
Preparation Fee
Analysis Fee
Number of
Labs
Pollutant
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum
Metals
As
$6.00
$25.00
$12.25
$20.00
21
Cd
Preparation fee is typically a
$7.50
$20.00
21
Cr
one-time charge per sample
analyzed or, at times, the
preparation fee is included
$7.50
$20.00
21
Cu
$7.50
$20.00
21
Pb
in the price of the analysis.
$12.50
$20.00
21
Hg
$12.50
$25.00
21
Mo
$7.50
$25.00
21
Ni
$7.50
$25.00
21
Se
$12.50
$25.00
21
Zn
$7.50
$25.00
21
Microbiological
Fecal Coliform
NC
NC
$9.50
$115.00
11
Salmonellae, sp
Typically, there is no
preparation fee associated
these analyses. Please note
the $50.00 fee for enteric
viruses and helminth Ova
are for screening only.
Complete analysis may cost
considerably more.
$17.00
$55.00
3
Enteric Viruses
$50.00
Quote
2
Helminth Ova
$50.00
Quote
2
Sludge Screening
TKN
NC
$25.00
$4.00
$60.00
21
Nitrate and Nitrite
Preparation fee is typically a
$7.50
$75.00
21
Total Ammonia
one-time charge per sample
analyzed or, at times, the
preparation fee is included
$7.50
$35.00
21
PH
$1.80
$25.00
21
Conductivity
in the price of the analysis.
$2.60
$20.00
21
Total Volatile Acids
$10.00
$25.00
19
Total Solids
- $5.50
$20.00
21
Total Phosphorus
$6.00
$50.00
21
4-11
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Table 4.3
Sludge Sample Analysis Request Form
Gene
ral Information
Sample Shipment Dates:
Reference No.:
No. of Samples in Shipment:
NPDES No.:
Report Required in: (circle one)
15 days, 30 days, 45 days, Other days
(increased cost may be associated for rush jobs)
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Mail Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Contact:
Phone No:
Billing Name and Address (if different than above)
Name:
Mail Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Contact:
Phone No:
Sampling Information
Sample collected by:
Preservation used during collection and/or
transport:
Date(s) and time(s) of sample collection:
Sample location:
Composite or grab:
Quantity collected:
Sampling equipment used (name and material):
Laboratory Report Requirements
The laboratory report must include all analysis results in dry weight basis, analysis methods used,
sample received dates and times, dates and times of analyses, analyst identification, laboratory
supervisor name and signature, a laboratory certification statement (if applicable), and the chain of
custody form(s). Also, the laboratory must utilize appropriate QA/QC methodology as found in
method reference source document (i.e., Standard Methods or SW-846) depending on the analysis
performed.
ALL RESULTS MUST BE SPECIFIED AS DRY WEIGHT BASIS
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Table 4.3
Sludge Sample Analysis Request Form (Continued)
Required Analyses
Analysis
required
yes/no
Pollutant
Approved analysis
method1
Required
prep, method
Maximum Holding
Time After
Preservation
Metals
Arsenic
SW-7060/7061/6010
SW-3050
6 months
Cadmium
SW-6010/7130/7131
SW-3050
6 months
Chromium
SW-6010/7190/7191
SW-3050
6 months
Copper
SW-6010/7210
SW-3050
6 months
Lead
SW-6010/7420/7421
SW-3050
6 months
Mercury
SW-7471
SW-7471
28 days
Molybdenum
SW-6010/7480/7481
SW-3050
6 months
Nickel
SW-6010/7520
SW-3050
6 months
Selenium
S W -6010/7740/7741
SW-3050
6 months
Zinc
SW-6010/7950
SW-3050
6 months
Sludge Screening
Total, Fixed, and
Volatile Solids
SM-2540 G
NA
7 days
PH
SW-9045
NA
immediately
Total Volatile Acids
SM-5560
NA
7 days
Total Phosphorus
SM-4500-P
4500-PB
28 days
Total Ammonia
SM-4500-NH3
NA
28 days
Conductivity
SW-9050
NA
28 days
Nitrate -I- Nitrite
SM-4500-NO,
SM-45OO-NO3
SW-846 Method 9200
NA
28 days
TKN or Organic N
SM-4500-Nor6
NA
28 days
Microbiological
Fecal Coliform
SM-9221 E/9222 D
NA
6 hours
Enteric Viruses
ASTM-Method D
4994-89
NA
48 hours @
< 10°C
2 hours @ 10 -25°C
Saimonellae. sp.
SM-9260 D. or
Kenner
NA
6 hours
helminth ova, viable
Yanko
NA
5 days
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4-13
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Table 4.3
Sludge Sample Analysis Request Form (Continued)
Others
Organo-chlorine
Pesticides and PCBs
SW-8080
SW-3540/3550
14 days
Semivolatile
Organics
SW-8270
SW-3640/3610
/3611/3620
/3630/3650
14 days
Volatile Organics
SW-8240
Purge and Trap
14 days
The following table provides information regarding the minimum amount of sample to be collected as
well as the recommended sample container.
Minimum Amount of Sludge Required for Analysis
Pollutant
Amount
Container
Metals
1,000 ml or a volume containing 1 gram
dry weight solids.
Plastic or glass
Pesticides and PCB's
1,000 ml
Amber glass
Semivolatile organics
1,000 ml
Amber glass
Volatile organics
1,000 ml
Amber glass
TSS and Volatile Solids
1,000 ml
Plastic or glass
pH
500 ml
Plastic or glass
Pathogens
1,000 ml
Plastic or glass
References and Footnotes
SW U.S. EPA, SW 846, 3rd Edition Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste.
SM Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th Edition. American Public
Health Association, Washington, D.C., 1992.
ASTM Standard Practice for Recovery of Viruses from Wastewater Sludges, Annual Book of ASTM
Standards: Section 11—Water and Environmental Technology, ASTM, Philadelphia, PA., 1992.
Yanko Yanko, W.A., Occurrence of Pathogens in Distribution and Marketing Municipal Sludges, EPA
600/1-87-014, 1987. PB 88-154273/AS, NTIS, Springfield, Virginia.
Kenner Kenner, B.A. and H.P. Clark, Detection and Enumeration of Salmonella and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, J. Water Pollution Control Federation, 46(9) :2163-2171, 1974.
4-14
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Table 4.4
Questions To Be Asked When Choosing a Laboratory
The following questions may be useful in determining whjch lab is right for you. They are only some of the
potential questions that could be asked; this list should not be considered absolute. Site-specific concerns may
alter the direction of your questions. The following questions are broken down into five major sections.
General Feasibility
• Does the lab routinely perform the required analyses? Are the individuals qualified and do they have
written qualifications available?
• Is the lab's turn-around time compatible with your schedule?
• Will the geographical location of the lab cause additional expenses (phone and shipping) and potential
difficulty in communication?
Concerns Prior to Sample Collection and Shipment
• Will the lab provide coolers and sample containers?
• What type of sample chain-of-custody is commonly used and will the lab provide chain-of-custody forms
prior to shipment?
• What form of shipment is commonly used (Federal Express, UPS, etc.)? Will the lab pay the shipping
costs?
• On what days will someone be available to receive my sample shipment (Saturday)?
• What type of sample container should be used and does the lab have any specific packaging
requirements?
Costs
• How will I be billed (invoice, prepay, etc.)? - Never prepay for analyses.
• Are sample containers provided for free or is an additional cost involved?
• Are the costs per analysis within the ranges provided in this document? If they are above the ranges,
why?
• What are the sample preparation costs and when and how are they incurred (i.e., per sample, per
analysis, etc.)?
• Are there any additional costs involved which I may not be aware of at this time?
• Can a written estimate be provided and what factors might cause the actual price to differ from the
estimate?
• Will QA/QC of my samples cost more?
4-15
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Table 4.4
Questions To Be Asked When Choosing a Laboratory (Continued)
The following questions may be useful in determining which lab is right for you. They are only some of the
potential questions that could be asked; this list should not be considered absolute. Site-specific concerns may
alter the direction of your questions. The following questions are broken down into five major sections.
QA/QC Procedures
The July/August 1989 edition of The Bench Sheet, which was published by the Water Pollution Control
Federation, lists several protocols which are the basic tools of a good QA/QC program. When determining
whether the lab has acceptable QA/QC protocols, you should ask the following questions:
• Does the lab have and use the following protocols:
QA manual
Standard operating procedures
Sample custody
Traceability to reference materials
QC checks
Data validation
Quality assessment (spikes, duplicates, etc.)
Control charts
Documentation
Periodic QA audits
If the lab does not have and/or use one of the above protocols, you should inquire into the reasons. Keep in
mind that some of these protocols may be contained within another.
Data Presentation
After the analyses have been conducted, the lab will provide you with a data package summarizing the
analyses. The data package can differ greatly from lab to lab so the following questions should be asked
prior to sample shipment:
• What type of report will 1 receive? Will any narrative description be provided for help in evaluating the
data package?
• Will the data be presented on a dry weight basis? If not, require it to be.
• Will I receive a QA/QC report along with the data package?
• If data qualifiers are present, will a key be presented?
• Will the detection limits for each analysis be provided?
• Will the dates and times of all analyses be reported?
• Will the analytical methods used be included?
If any of the above items are not included with the data package ask the lab to provide them.
4-16
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APPENDIX A
BLANK CALCULATION SHEETS
-------
Percent Total Solids
% solids = (A - B) x 100
C - B
Where A = weight of dried residue + dish, g
B = weight of dish, g
C = weight of wet sample + dish, g
Examples
wet weight of sample + dish = g
dry weight of sample + dish = g
wet of dish = g
( e - g) x 100 = _ % total solids
g - g
wet weight of sample + dish = g
dry weight of sample + dish = g
wet of dish = g
( g - g) x 100 = % total solids
g - g
wet weight of sample + dish = g
dry weight of sample + dish = g
wet of dish = g
( g - g) x 100 = % total solids
g - g
wet weight of sample + dish = g
dry weight of sample + dish = g
wet of dish = g
( g - gl x 100 = % total solids
g - g
wet weight of sample + dish = g
dry weight of sample + dish = g
wet of dish = g
( g - g) x 100 = % total solids
g - g
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A-l
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Dry Weight Basis
Determine the dry weight concentration using the following equation:
pollutant conc.(dry,mg/kg) = / pollutant conc.fwet. mg/L)
I % total solids
Examples
( )mg/L (As) = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg As dry weight
( )% 0.
( )mg/L (Cd) = C )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Cd dry weight
( ) % 0.
C )mg/L (Cr) = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Cr dry weight
( )% 0.
( )mg/L (Cu) = C )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Cu dry weight
( )% 0.
( )mg/L CPh) = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Pb dry weight
( ) % 0.
( ")mg/L rHg) = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Hg dry weight
( ) % 0.
( 'Img/L (Mo) = f ~)mg/L = ( )mg/kg Mo dry weight
( ) % 0.
( )mg/L (NO = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Ni dry weight
( ) % 0.
( )mg/L (Se~) = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Se dry weight
( ) % 0.
( )mg/L (Zn) = ( )mg/L = ( )mg/kg Zn dry weight
( ) % 0.
A-2
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Annual Whole Sludge Application Rate (AWSAR)
AWSAR = APLR
PC X 0.001
Calculate the AWSAR using:
As =» 2.0 (kg/ha)/365 days -5- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Cd => 1.9 (kg/ha)/365 days -s- { mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Cr => 150 (kg/ha)/365 days -5- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha 365 days
Cu =» 75 (kg/ha)/365 days ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Pb =» 15 (kg/ha)/365 days -s- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Hg =» 0.85 (kg/ha)/365 days ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Mo => 0.90 (kg/ha)/365 days -5- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Ni => 21 (kg/ha)/365 days -r ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Se =» 5 (kg/ha)/365 days -5- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Zn =» 140 (kg/ha)/365 days -s- ( mg/kg X 0.001) = mt/ha/365 days
Remember to choose the lowest number for the AWSAR.
A-3
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Agronomic Rate
Agronomic Rate = SLUDGE N NEEDED FOR CROP
AVAILABLE N IN SLUDGE
1. Total available nitrogen from sewage sludge.
a. Ammonium nitrogen
Calculated with the following formula:
NH4+-N(kg/mt) x Kv(Kv obtained from Table 3.5.3)
b. Mineralized organic nitrogen for first year
of application
Calculated with the following formula:
Org-N x Fq., (Fq., obtained from Table 3.5.4)
c. Nitrate nitrogen
d. Total available nitrogen from sewage sludge
Add a, b, and c
2. Nitrogen available in the soil
(Use the greater of a. or b.)
a. Background nitrogen in soil
(From soil test results)
OR
b. Available nitrogen from previous
sewage sludge applications
(From Worksheet 2)
3. Nitrogen supplied from other commercial sources
(i.e. fertilizer or irrigation water)
4. Total nitrogen available from existing sources
Add 2a or 2b (whichever is greater) and 3
5. Total nitrogen requirement of crop
6. Supplemental nitrogen needed from sewage sludge
Subtract 4 from 5
7. Agronomic loading rate
Divide 6 by 1
OR
mt/ha h- 2.2421 =
kg/mt
kg/mt
kg/mt
kg/mt
. kg/ha
. kg/ha
. kg/ha
. kg/ha
. kg/ha
. kg/ha
mt/ha
tons/acre
A-4
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Annual Pollutant Loading Rate
PL = PC X AR X 0.001
where PL is the pollutant loading (kg/ha),
PC is the pollutant concentration (mg/kg),
AR is the application rate (kg/ha),
and 0.001 is a conversion factor
As » mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Cd => mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Cr => mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Cu =» mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Pb => mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Hg =» mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Mo => mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Ni =» mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Se =» mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
Zn => mg/kg X kg/ha X 0.001 = kg/ha
A-5
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Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate
The actual CPLR is calculated by summing the APLR for that year and any previous APLRs tor the site
being utilized.
^eb ^ ~ PLfc + ^intermediate applications ^^e ~ CPLR
where b is the start time of sludge application and
e is the end time of sludge application
Example: Use this table for any or all of your metals:
Table A.l
Tracking Cumulative Pollutant Loading for
Year
Actual Pollutant
Concentration
(mg/kg)
Application Rate
(kg/ha)
Actual
Pollutant
Loading
(kg/ha)
Cumulative Pollutant
Loading at End of Year
(kg/ha)
199_
199.
199.
199.
199.
199.
Calculate the years an inorganic pollutant can be land applied by utilizing the following equation:
Site Life = CPLRa (kg/ha) = years
PLa (kg/ha)/yr
Where: CPLRa = Cumulative Pollutant Loading Rate for a particular metal presented in
Table 2 of 503.13
PLa = Total annual loading for a particular metal at a specific land application site.
(kg/ha) = years
(kg/ha)/yr
(kg/ha) = years
(kg/ha)/yr
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Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate (SOUR)
SOUR, (mg/g)/hr = oxygen consumption rate (mg/L)/min X 60 min
Total solids, g/L hr
Example 1: Calculate the SOUR with the following information:
- Oxygen consumption rate = (mg/L)/min
- Total solids = g/L
SOUR, (mg/g)/hr = (mg/LVmin x 60 min = (mg/g)/hr
g/L hr
SOUR, (mg/g)/hr = (mg/LWmin x 60 min = (mg/g)/hr
g/L hr
SOUR, (mg/g)/hr = (mg/LVmin x 60 min = (mg/g)/hr
g/L hr
SOUR must be less than or equal to 1.5 (mg/g)/hr for adequate vector attraction reduction.
A-7
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Annual Application Rate for Domestic Septage
'J*
Step 1: To determine the AAR for , use the following equation:
AAR for = lbs, per acre per 365-dav period
0.0026
r ,
Where: AAR = Annual Application Rate in gallons per acre per 365-day period
N = Amount of Nitrogen in pounds per acre per 365-day period ''deeded by the crop or
vegetation grown on the land
0.0026 = Predetermine amount of nitrogen in domestic septage
AAR for = lbs, per acre per 365-dav period
0.0026
AAR for the = gal./acre/365-day period
A-8
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-Volatile Solids Reduction
Determine the VSR using the following equation:
VSR, % « (influent VS. mg/kg - effluent VS.my/kg) x 100
influent VS, mg/kg
VSR, % « ( influent VS. mg/kg - effluent VS.mg/kg) x 100
influent VS, mg/kg
VSR, % = ( influent VS. mg/kg - effluent VS.mg/kg) x 100
influent VS, mg/kg
VSR, % = ( influent VS. mg/kg - effluent VS.mg/kg) x 100
influent VS, mg/kg
VSR, % = ( influent VS. mg/kg effluent VS.mg/kg) x 100
influent VS, mg/kg
A-9
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U.S. EPA ^J-GIGN 8
TECHNIC -1. LIBRARY 8 OC-L
999 !87H $7., SUITE 500
DENVER, CO 80202-2466
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Agronomic Rate Data Sheet
Example 1 - 1992
Data Source
Kinds of Data
Example Numbers
Sludge
(Supplied from
sludge analysis,)
Volume
Gallons Produced Yearly
Percent Solids
Dry Tons Per Year
Nutrients
NH«-N (ammonium nitrogen)
NOi-N (nitrate)
TKN
Organic N (TKN - MH.-N)
Type
Application Method
Previous Applications)
2,673.550 gal
1.93 %
215.17 cons
lb/ton ks/mt
109.0 = 54.5
0.3 = 0.15
214.0 = 112.0
105.0 = 52.5
Liquid Anaerobicallv Digested
Liquid Sludge Injected into Soil i
i
No Previous Applications
Soil
(Supplied from
soil laboratory
results)
pH
CEC
Estimated Residual N
6.0 ¦
21 mea/lOOgm
35 lb/acre = 39.26 ks/ha
"
Crop
(Supplied from
farmer, farm
advisor, fertilizer
guides)
Type
Total Fertilizer N Recommendation
Supplemental Fertilizer N
Field Corn
265 lb/acre = 297.23 kg/ha
30 lb/acre = 33.65 kg/ha
'
Helpful Hint: The following conversions may be helpful in determining the agronomic rate
lb/ton x 500 = mg/kg
lbs/acre x 1.1218 = kg/ha
tons/acre x 7.242.15 = kg/ha
tons/acre 2.2421 = mt/ha
lb/ton x 0.5 = ks/mt
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Agronomic Rate - Example 1
Agronomic Rate = SLUDGE N NEEDED FOR CROP
AVAILABLE N IN SLUDGE
Total available nitrogen from sewage sludge.
a. Ammonium nitrogen
Calculated with the following formula:
NHt~-N(kg/mt) x Kv(Kv obtained from Table 3.5.3)
b. Mineralized organic nitrogen for first year
of application
Calculated with the following formula:
Org-N x Fg., (Fq., obtained from Table 3.5.4)
c. Nitrate nitrogen
d. Total available nitrogen from sewage sludge
Add a. b, and c
MeJ-rfc
5 S kg/mt
^ro
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Agronomic Rate - Example 1
Worksheet 2. Calculating Mineralized Organic Nitrogen
The organic nitrogen in sewage sludge continues to decompose and release mineral nitrogen through the
mineralization process tor several years following its initial application. This residual nitrogen from the
previously applied sludge must be accounted for as part ot' the overall nutrient budget when determining
the agronomic rate tor sewage sludge. The following procedures calculate mineralized organic nitrogen.
These calculations must be done for each yearly sewage sludge application (see example calculations).
Table 3.5.1
1.
Year
2.
Starting N (kg/ha)
3.
Mineralization Rate
(Table 3.5.4)
4.
Mineralized Org-
N (kg/ha)
5.
Org-N
Remaining
(kg/ha)
0-1 (first
application)
1-2
2-3
3-4
|
'4-5
Summary of steps needed to complete the table:
[the numbers correspond to the columns in the table)
1. Number of years after initial application.
2. In the first year, this equals the amount of N initially applied. In subsequent years, it represents
the amount of Org-N remaining from the previous year (i.e. column 5).
y. The Org-N content of the applied sewage sludge continues to be mineraiizea. at decreasing rr.es
i , for .years after initial application. See Table 3 5.4 for mineralization rates.
V %-fJf ' ''
Ajoi Meets
Example. /.
Muitiolv column 2 :imes column j.
* - * '¦ .A ^
-A , "
5^ 'L' "Subtract colurriif'4 rrom column 2.
< * t ,
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Agronomic Rate - Example 1
Table 3.5.3
Volatilization Factors (Kv)
If Sewage Sludge Is:
Factor Kv Is:
Liquid and surface applied
.50
Liquid and injected into the soil
1.0
Dewatered and applied in any manner
1.0
Table 3.5.4
Mineralization Rate*
% of Org-N
Mineralized from
% of Org-N Mineralized
% of Org-N
Time after sludge
Aerobically Digested
from Anaerobically
Mineralized from
application (Year)
Sludge
Digested Sludge
Composted Sludge
0-1
30
20
10
1-2
15
10
5
2-3
8
5
3
3-4
4
3
3
4-5
3
3
¦t
J
Percentage or Org-N present mineralized auring trie time interval snown
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Agronomic Rate Data Sheet
Example 2
Data Source
Kinds of Data
Example Numbers
Sludge
(Supplied from
sludge analysis)
Volume
Gallons Produced Yearly
Percent Solids
Dry Tons Per Year
2.673.550 gal
1.93 %
215.17 tons
Nutrients
NH4-N (ammonium nitrogen)
NO,-N (nitrate)
TKN
Organic N (TKN - NH,-N)
lb/ton ks/mt
109.0 = 54.5
0.3 = 0.15
214.0 = 112.0
105.0 = 52.5
Type
Liquid Anaerobicallv Digested
Application Method
Liquid Sludge Injected into Soil
Previous Application(s)
3.44 mt/ha or 1.54 tons/acre in
1992.
Soil
(Supplied from
soil laboratory
results)
pH
CEC
Estimated Residual N
6.0
21 meq/'lOOgm j
10 lb/acre = 11.21 kg/ha i
I
Crop
(Supplied from
farmer, farm
advisor, fertilizer
guides')
Type
Total Fertilizer N Recommendation
Supplemental Feniiizer N
Field Corn I
265 lb/acre = 297 23 kg/ha
30 lb/acre = 33.65 kg/ha !
Helpful Hint: The following conversions may be neiprul ;n determining the agronomic rate
lb/ton x 500 = mg/kg
lbs/acre x 1.1213 = kg/ha
tons/acre x 2242.15 = kg/ha
tons/acre x 2.2421 = mt/ha
lb/ton x 0.5 = mt/kg
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Agronomic Rate - Example 2
Agronomic Rate = SLUDGE /V >TEEDED FOR CROP
AVAILABLE N IN SLUDGE
Total available nitrogen from sewage sludge.
a. Ammonium nitrogen
Calculated with the following formula:
NHr-N(kg/mt) x Kv(Kv obtained from Table 3.5.3)
b. Mineralized organic nitrogen for first year
of application
Calculated with the following formula:
Org-N x Fq., (Fo.t obtained from Table 3.5.4)
c. Nitrate nitrogen
d. Total available nitrogen from sewage sludge
Add a, b, and c
^ kg/mt
Nitrogen available in the soil
(Use the greater of a. or b.)
a. Background nitrogen in soil
(From soil test results)
OR
b. Available nitrogen from previous
sewage sludge applications
(From Worksheet 2)
Nitrogen supplied from other commercial sources
(i.e. fertilizer or irrigation water)
Total nitrogen available from existing sources
Add 2a or 2b (whichever is greater) ana 3
Total nitrogen requirement of crop
Supplemental nitrogen needed from sewage sludge
Subtract 4 from 5
Agronomic loading rate
Divide 6 by L
mt/ha -r 2.2421 =
S kg/mt ^2 1^ fk/foi
O. IS
65. IS
OR
I I "3. I bg,hn
kg/ha
33.4Skj/hn (30) 'b/wt
kg/ha
5^7.^Bk?,ha lb/*
ml/ha .JO) Jie/
/• ^
tons/aci y
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SECTION 1
SECTION 2
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
APPENDIX A
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Agronomic Rate - Example 2
Worksheet 2. Calculating Mineralized Organic Nitrogen
The organic nitrogen in sewage sludge continues to decompose and release mineral nitrogen
through the mineralization process tor several years following its initial application. This residual
'nitrogen ttom the previously applied sludge must be accounted tor as pan of the overall nutrient
budget when determining the agronomic rate for sewage sludge. The following procedures
calculate mineralized organic nitrogen. These calculations must be done for each yearly sewage
^ sludge application (see example calculations).
(
Table 3.5.1
1.
Year
2.
Starting N
(kg/ha)
3.
Mineralization Rate
(Table 3.5.4)
4.
Mineralized
Org-N (kg/ha)
5.
Org-N
Remaining
(kg/ha)
0-1 (first
application)
ISO.6
0&I.7)
0.2
36.1^
/vv.s
(ixt.yb
1-2
/ws
//!<». 34)
o. \
IVMS
Qwf)
130.0S
2-3
O.05
3-4
O.o 3 1
" 1
O.03
Summary of steps needed to complete the table:
/.the nuijioers correspond to me columns in the table)
1. Numoer ot years arter initial application.
» *'
I. 'fri the first year, this equais the amount of N initially applied. In suDseauent years, it
represents me amount of Org-N remaining rrom ;ne previous year (i.e. column 5'i.
3. The Org-N content of the appiied sewage sludge .ontinues to be mineralized, at
decreasing rates, for years after initial application. See Table 3.5.4 for mineralization
rates.
Multiply column 2 times column 3.
80.6 P)/U XO.TL =
!OSx.|,SHr 161.7
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Agronomic Rate Example - 2
Table 3.5.3
Volatilization Factors (Kv)
If Sewage Sludge Is:
Factor Kv Is:
Liquid and surface applied
.50
Liquid and injected into the soil
1.0
Dewatered and applied in any manner
1.0
Table 3.5.4
Mineralization Rate-*
% of Org-N
% of Org-N
Mineralized from
Mineralized from
% of Org-N
Time after sludge
Aerobicallv
Anaerobicallv
Mineralized from
application (Year)
Digested Sludge
Digested Sludge
Composted Sludge
0-1
30
20
10
1-2
15
10
5
2-3
3
5
3
3-4
j.
3
3
4-5
3
3
3
Percentage or Org-N present mineraiizea during tne time interval shown
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VSR 1
VS - Fractional Volatile Solids - Mass of volatile solids per unit of mass
of total solids kg/kg
Van Kleeck Method:
% VSR = VSf - VS,
VSf - (VSf X VS,)
VSf = Fractional volatile solids of raw sludge fed to the
digester, kg/kg
VS„ = Fractional volatile solids of digested sludge, kg/kg
Approximate Mass Balance Method (AMB)
% VSR = FYf - BYh - DYj
FYf
F = Volume of raw sludge fed to digester m3/day
Yf = Volatile solids concentration of raw sludge, kg/m3
B = Volume of digested sludge, m3/day
Yh ~ ~ Wlatile solids concentration of digested sludge,
kg/m3
D = Volume of decantate, m3/day
Yd = Volatile solids concentration of decantate, kg/m3
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VSR 2
1
3
4
AMB
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.46
Van Kleek
0.4
0.32
0.4
0.4
1. No decant, no grit accumulation
Both methods valid and correct
2. No decant, grit accumulation
AMB method valid
VK method invalid and incorrect
3. Decant, no grit accumulation
AMB method valid
VK method valid (if VSb equals VSd)
4. Decant, grit accumlation
AMB method valid (if B and D are measured)
VK method invalid
-------
VSR 3
To determine if grit is accumulating:
FX, = BXb + Fixed solids loss
Fixed solids loss = FX, - BX,,
F = Volume of raw sludge fed to digester, m3/day
Xf = Fixed solids concentration of raw sludge,
kg/m3
B = Volume of digested sludge, m3/day
= Fixed solids concentration of digested sludge,
kg/m3
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VSR 4
Y and VS values used should be averages
Averages should be weighted averages
Addition
1
2
3
4
Volume
12 m3
8 m3
13 m3
10 m3
TS concentration VS
0.75
0.82
0.80
0.77
72 kg/m3
50 kg/m3
60 kg/m3
55 kg/m3
Weighted by mass
VS,„ =
av
(12 x 72 x 0.75) + (8 x 50 x 0:82)^+ (13 x 60 x 0.80) + (10 x 55 x 0.7T)
(12 x 72) + (8 x 50) + (13 x 60) + (10 x 55)
= 0.795
Weighted by volume
VSav = (12 x 0.75) + (8 x 0.82) + (13 x 0.80) + (10 x 0.77)
12 + 8 + 13 + 10
= 0.783
Arithmetic Average
VS,
0.75 + 0.82 + 0.80 + 0.77
4
= 0.785
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VSR 5
OR
Which Equation to Use?
Use AMB Use VK
If grit is accumulating • If there is no grit
accumulating
If decantate is withdrawn
daily and if VSd + VS^ • If decantate is withdrawn
daily and if the VSd = VSd
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