Publication Summary

In 1993, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) published the first draft of Biosolids Management Guidelines (WDOE 93-80). These guidelines provided a much needed approach for determining biosolids application rates. After release of the draft, it was recognized that even more comprehensive information and guidance on biosolids nitrogen management would be useful. A strong and cooperative working relationship between Ecology, the Northwest Biosolids Management Association, and universities in the Pacific Northwest presented an ideal opportunity for compiling existing information on nitrogen in biosolids and combining it with the most current scientific knowledge on the behavior of nitrogen in the environment.

In 1993, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) published the first draft of Biosolids Management Guidelines (WDOE 93-80). These guidelines provided a much needed approach for determining biosolids application rates. After release of the draft, it was recognized that even more comprehensive information and guidance on biosolids nitrogen management would be useful. A strong and cooperative working relationship between Ecology, the Northwest Biosolids Management Association, and universities in the Pacific Northwest presented an ideal opportunity for compiling existing information on nitrogen in biosolids and combining it with the most current scientific knowledge on the behavior of nitrogen in the environment.

This manual, Managing Nitrogen from Biosolids, is the outcome of this collaboration. It is written for professionals and other persons interested in developing a comprehensive understanding of biosolids nitrogen management and learning an exacting approach to determining biosolids application rates. It does not purport to have broad applicability for management of nitrogen in residuals other than biosolids. It is hoped, however, that those managing nitrogen in other materials can find some support for their efforts in this manual. Nor is this manual considered a final and definitive work. It will be updated and improved as our knowledge of nitrogen management grows. For those with a less critical need to manage biosolids nitrogen, Ecology′s Biosolids Management Guidelines is recommended for those in Washington State; publications approved by appropriate regulatory agencies and academic institutions are recommended for those in other states and in British Columbia.

Managing Nitrogen from Biosolids is the product of a cooperative effort between the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and the Province of British Columbia, Canada. The Washington State Department of Ecology appreciates the cooperation and contributions of Dr. Charles Henry, University of Washington, College of Forest Resources; Dr. Craig Cogger, Washington State University Cooperative Extension Service; Dr. Dan Sullivan, Oregon State University; Dr. Bob Rynk, University of Idaho; Michael Van Ham, University of British Columbia; and Roberta King, King County, Washington. The support and involvement of the Northwest Biosolids Management Association are also acknowledged and appreciated.