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Department of Ecology News Release - February 1, 2012
12-027
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and the city of Morton have signed an agreement detailing several actions the city will take to address violations of its biosolids management program. Ecology also issued a penalty of $54,500 for the 11 violations.
Morton may reduce the penalty amount by 90 percent, to $5,450, if the city meets the conditions of the agreed order.
The agreed order requires the city to:
After several months of meetings, on-site visits, records reviews and phone conversations, Ecology found significant violations in how the city of Morton had managed biosolids from its wastewater treatment plant at 200 Aberdeen Road during 2010.
The proper way for Morton to make a biosolids compost product is by mixing biosolids from the wastewater treatment plant with wood chips and other material in rows, then allowing it to heat up to temperatures that kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. It is a composting process.
Morton officials failed to keep records documenting compliance with biosolids regulations. They left out critical information in reports to Ecology. They provided incomplete information and did not conduct required lab analysis of the biosolids. Because of uncertainties due to information gaps, Ecology cannot assure that the city of Morton produced biosolids that meet state standards that protect human health and the environment.
In March 2011, Ecology notified the city to stop distributing any more biosolids and to stockpile what it currently had until the issues could be resolved.
During 2010, Morton had sold its biosolids product to the public and applied it to the wastewater treatment plant grounds and an area of Gust Backstrom City Park.
Biosolids are a residual of the wastewater treatment process. When properly treated and managed, they are safe for use, and improve soils and plant growth. Beneficially using biosolids keeps them out of over-full landfills and preserves and returns nutrients to the soil. In the early 1990s, the Legislature directed Ecology to create a state program that regulates biosolids. Statewide consistency was a primary goal for crafting these rules.
Ecology oversees the statewide biosolids management program. Ecology issues permits to cities, counties, and private facilities that generate or treat biosolids for further use. Washington’s program has similar goals to programs implemented in the majority of other states.
Ecology establishes state rules and a statewide general permit to meet federal standards for biosolids. Permit-holders are responsible for meeting these program rules and permit conditions. Ecology provides technical assistance and enforces program rules when necessary.
Laurie Davies, Ecology’s Waste 2 Resources Program manager, said: “Following state biosolids rules provides the basic safeguards necessary to protect public health and the environment. We worked long and hard with the city of Morton, giving them ample opportunity to show us how they were properly managing their program and treating their biosolids product. However, the information just never came together to give us that assurance.”
Morton Mayor James Gerwig said: "The city maintains that it followed proper procedures but could not produce documentation showing compliance."
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Media Contacts:
Ecology Biosolids website (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/biosolids/)
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
