Benefits of

Every day, each person in Florida generates nearly 100 gallons of domestic wastewater. As facilities collect and clean the water, solid byproducts accumulate. This collected material, called biosolids, is high in organic content and contains nutrients, which are naturally occurring and are needed by plants, making biosolids a safe and valuable and . Land application of biosolids occurs in all 50 states. In Florida, nearly one-third of biosolids are used on farms and ranches, primarily on hay crops and pasture land.

Wastewater Treatment and Biosolids FAST FACTS » Wastewater treatment facilities clean the water and solids discharged by domestic , drains and appliances.

» The treated wastewater solids, known as biosolids or , are • Biosolids are wastewater removed from the water. The solids may be disposed of in a or further solids that have been treated through physical, chemical and biological processes including heat treated and processed in systems, or other methods. Many facilities in Florida treat their accordance with federal biosolids in accordance with federal and state regulations, and recycle them and state regulations. as a safe and beneficial agricultural product. • Florida domestic » After being disinfected, the treated – or reclaimed – water can be used safely wastewater facilities for agricultural , recharge, industrial processes and lawn generate an estimated irrigation. 320,000 dry tons of biosolids annually.

Fertilizer for Land Application • After being treated and processed, biosolids Biosolids can replenish organic matter in soil that has been depleted. Biosolids » may be disposed or

provide , and – the key nutrients that plants beneficially used. need to thrive – as as beneficial trace elements such as and , which are typically not found in chemical . • Florida ranches, citrus » The organic, slow-release nitrogen and phosphorus in biosolids are absorbed groves, sod farms and other agricultural more efficiently than chemical fertilizers by crops. endeavors safely » Organic nutrients are less water-soluble and, therefore, less likely than use biosolids as a chemical fertilizers to leach into groundwater. Biosolids hold the nutrients near soil conditioner and the roots, where plants need them. fertilizer. • Water and nutrients can easily wash out of root zones in Florida’s Land application sandy soil. The organic matter in biosolids holds of biosolids occurs moisture and nutrients. in all 50 states.

continued Classification Oversight Public Health and Safety » The highest quality of biosolids in » Federal, state and some local » The state of Florida and the Florida, known as Class AA, meet government rules regulate the U.S. Environmental Protection strict environmental criteria. Class production, use and disposal Agency have set comprehensive AA registered products may be of biosolids. rules and regulations to ensure sold to the public as fertilizer and the protection of public health State and federal regulations are found in stores and garden » and the environment. The establish chemical limits, centers. Florida regulations are contained land-application rules and in Chapter 62-640, Florida Class B biosolids are the lowest procedures to destroy harmful » Administrative Code (F.A.C.), and level of biosolids that can be microorganisms. These the EPA regulations are contained applied to land in Florida. regulations are designed to in Title 40 Code of Federal There are strict limits on the prevent or minimize potential Regulations Part 503. agricultural use of Class B solids. impacts from nutrients, heavy The land-application sites must and any -causing » These rules require bosolids to obtain DEP permits, have agents that may remain. be stabilized or treated to reduce site-specific nutrient management odors and their appeal to insects plan and follow site restrictions and animals. to protect public water sources. » These rules also contain requirements for proper siting, design and operation of biosolids facilities to help control odor. All biosolids facilities and » New treatments and uses of land-application sites biosolids are being developed, and research and regulations are required to obtain permits, continue to ensure that biosolid keep records and remains safe and

submit annual reports. productive.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 01/16 dep.state.fl.us/water/wastewater/dom/reshome 850-245-8614