Solid Waste > Biosolids

Biosolids

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Rule Adopted: May 24, 2007
Effective: June 24, 2007

What are biosolids?

Biosolids are a necessary and unavoidable product of wastewater treatment and contain nutrients essential for plant growth. Biosolids also contain small amounts of pollutants and some microorganisms which must be properly treated or managed to protect public health and the environment.

What does Ecology's biosolids management program do?

The department of Ecology is the primary state agency for regulation of biosolids related activities. Ecology provides oversight and assistance for sewage treatment plants and other facilities which generate, treat, and use biosolids. The program is designed to protect public health and the environment while encouraging the beneficial use of a valuable resource. Our activities include development of laws, regulations, and guidelines; issuance of permits; and technical assistance to the regulated community, local jurisdictional health departments, consultants, and members of the public interested in biosolids management issues.

How can I use this web resource?

In these pages you will find a wealth of information and links to other sites containing even greater amounts of information on biosolids management. Before contacting the people listed in these pages, take some time to browse through the information available here and check out the links we have provided. Here you will find access to state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines; information on the biosolids permit system; answers to frequently asked questions; and links to numerous other Web sites.

We hope you enjoy your time on our pages. We would appreciate any suggestions you might have for improving the content of our pages or their performance.

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