#Biosolids

[rjzimmerman]

In a First, the E.P.A. Warns of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Sludge Fertilizer. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday warned that “forever chemicals” present in sewage sludge that is used as fertilizer can pose human health risks.

In an extensive study the agency said that, while the general food supply isn’t threatened, the risk from contaminated fertilizer could in some cases exceed the E.P.A.’s safety thresholds “sometimes by several orders of magnitude.”

A growing body of research has shown that the sludge can be contaminated with manmade chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are used widely in everyday items like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant carpets. The chemicals, which are linked to a range of illnesses including an increased risk of cancer, do not break down in the environment, and, when tainted sludge is used as fertilizer on farmland, it can contaminate the soil, groundwater, crops and livestock.

Last year, The New York Times reported that 3M, which for decades has manufactured PFAS, found as early as 2000 that the chemicals were turning up in sludge samples from municipal wastewater plants across the country. In 2003, 3M told E.P.A. of its findings.

The E.P.A. has for decades encouraged the use of sludge from treated wastewater as inexpensive fertilizer with no limits on how much PFAS it can contain. But the agency’s new draft risk assessment sets a potential new course. If finalized, it could mark what could be the first step toward regulating PFAS in the sludge used as fertilizer, which the industry calls biosolids. The agency currently regulates certain heavy metals and pathogens in sewage sludge used as fertilizer, but not PFAS.

Add to this story the following excerpt from the Chicago Tribune from its article entitled, "EPA warns of toxic forever chemicals in sewage sludge used on farmland, including thousands of acres near the Chicago area."

Farmers who use sewage sludge as fertilizer and their neighbors face higher risks of cancer and other diseases, according to a new federal analysis that pins the blame on toxic forever chemicals.

The findings are particularly relevant for northeast Illinois, where more than 777,000 tons of sludge from Chicago and Cook County have been spread on farmland during the past eight years — in many cases near residential areas.

Only the Greater Los Angeles area distributed more sludge to farmers during the same period.

Officials at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago have known their sludge fertilizer is contaminated with forever chemicals since at least 2011, the Chicago Tribune reported in a 2022 investigation.

[plethoraworldatlas]

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What Are Biosolids?

“Biosolids” is the word waste treatment industry marketers came up with to rebrand sewage sludge, the solid byproduct of wastewater treatment processes. The reason the industry needed to rebrand sewage sludge was because they planned on marketing and selling the nutrient-rich waste to farmers and home gardeners as cheap fertilizer and compost products.

But biosolids aren’t just rich in nutrients. Biosolids can contain high levels of toxic PFAS “Forever Chemicals” (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that aren’t removed during the waste treatment process. And neither are the phthalates, pesticides, PCBs, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, microplastics, heavy metals, and innumerable other harmful substances that have been found in biosolids.

Applications of biosolids contaminate the soil with toxic PFAS and other chemicals, which are then taken up by crops grown in that soil. PFAS also migrates to contaminate groundwater and surface waters. The meat, milk and eggs of livestock become contaminated when the animals consume adulterated crops and water.

The biosolids industry and the commercial fertilizer and compost companies that use biosolids continue to claim that the products are safe and non-toxic. Even municipalities have been giving out biosolids fertilizer and compost to farmers, community gardens, and home gardeners for free, without warning about the dangers.

Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), though aware of the problem, still allows the commercialization of toxic biosolids. Just as alarming, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) actively promotes the use of biosolids as fertilizer to commercial farmers. We suspect this is due to the revolving door and corporate capture of our regulatory agencies and the resulting collusion, favoring corporate profits over human or environmental health.

In 2022, Sally Brown, Research Professor at the University of Washington and veteran biosolids industry lobbyist, was selected by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve on USDA’s inaugural Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture.

Sally Brown once called environmental activists “ecoterrorists” for a successful protest on March 4, 2010, that stopped the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission from giving away sewage sludge as “organic biosolids compost” for home and school gardens.

As you’ll soon read, it’s Sally Brown that is the ecoterrorist for promoting biosolids.

Biosolids Poisoning Farms and Farmers Across America

The practice of using biosolids as fertilizer on conventional farms has been happening for decades but has, more recently, turned into a national catastrophe, creating a crisis for farmers and ranchers across the country.

Although the use of biosolids as fertilizer is prohibited in organic agriculture, even organic farms have been hit hard.

March 22, 2022, The Guardian reported:

Maine organic farmers Johanna Davis and Adam Nordell bought Songbird Farm in 2014. By 2021 the young family with their three-year-old son were hitting their stride, Nordell said. But disaster struck in December. The couple learned the farm’s previous owner had decades earlier used PFAS-tainted sewage sludge, or “biosolids”, as fertilizer on Songbird’s fields. Testing revealed their soil, drinking water, irrigation water, crops, chickens and blood were contaminated with high levels of the toxic chemicals. The couple quickly recalled products, alerted customers, suspended their operation and have been left deeply fearful for their financial and physical wellbeing. “This has flipped everything about our lives on its head,” Nordell said. “We haven’t done a blood test on our kid yet and that’s the most terrifying part. It’s f#####g devastating.” Ironwood Organic Farm, about six miles from Songbird Farm, tested its water and found high levels suspected to have migrated from a neighbors’ sludge-packed field. The small produce farm pulled its products, halted operations and is nervously awaiting more test results. “I spent my entire adult life building this farm,” said Nell Finnigan. “Everything is at stake for us, and this is a tragedy for anyone who comes up with a high [groundwater] well test.” Stoneridge Farm, a small dairy operation more than 100 miles south of Songbird Farm, discovered in 2016 that sludge and paper mill waste used as fertilizer had probably contaminated its cows and milk. Stoneridge killed most of its livestock in 2019. Co-owner Fred Stone was denied federal assistance for his tainted milk because one of its milk tests came in just below the state’s limit, but Stone didn’t feel comfortable selling it. Now his family of four, which believes PFAS is behind their health ailments from thyroid disease to reproductive problems, survives on welfare and friends’ and family’s generosity. Stone said he could have continued to sell contaminated food: “This is the cost of having a moral compass and doing the right thing.” “I don’t know how we are going to get debts paid,” he added. “I don’t know how the Christ we are going to live. I don’t know how we’re going to survive.”

...

March 11, 2024, KCUR reported:

“This is a hundred-year-old operation,” Jason Grostic said. “My grandpa milked cows, my dad milked cows, I milked cows, (then) got into the beef industry. It’s in my blood.” But Grostic may be at the end of the line. Two years ago, he was blindsided when the state of Michigan ordered him to shut down his farm, citing high levels of PFAS in both his beef and soil. Grostic had been using biosolids, a treated byproduct from wastewater plants, to fertilize his crops, which he then fed his cattle. But what he thought was a cost-effective fertilizer, turned out to be laden with PFAS. It’s a risk, Grostic said, no one warned him about — and now his 400-acre farm has been deemed unusable. “I took a fertilizer source that was recommended and was EPA-approved, and the government dropped the ball by not testing it and assuring it was a clean product,” he said.

We encourage you to watch the VICE Special Report, “The Hidden Chemicals Destroying American Farms,” a year long investigation featuring Jason Grostic and his experience with biosolids and PFAS. It will shock you.

[lady13willow]

https://toxinfreeusa.org/biosolids-based-fertilizers-are-harming-farmers-and-eaters-across-america/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=f9caa587-c51d-4a70-9575-d31827b12fcc

[fairfieldmarketreports]

Mexico Biosolids Market Growth and Share 2021-2025 [ 2023 UPDATE Available – Forecast 2023-2030*]

The global biosolids market is witnessing exponential growth as it offers an effective solution for reusing waste material and addressing the challenges of wastewater treatment. According to recent statistics, the market was valued at US$1.4 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach US$1.9 billion by 2025, growing at a healthy rate of 4.7% between 2021 and 2025.

Access Full Report: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/report/global-biosolids-market

With over 35 million tonnes of biosolids produced globally in 2018, this industry is gaining momentum worldwide.

In 2018, Europe accounted for more than 25% of the global biosolids consumption, while the United States emerged as the largest producer in North America, primarily utilizing biosolids for land application. However, countries in the Asia Pacific region, such as China and India, are making significant investments in sludge management strategies and exploring alternative treatment and disposal methods to mitigate the adverse environmental impact. As a result, China is expected to surpass North America in the near future, supported by its substantial investments in wastewater treatment technologies.

Biosolids are organic materials derived from the treatment of domestic and industrial sewage sludge. They offer a valuable resource for agriculture as wastewater sewage contains nutrients that can be used for agricultural purposes. Class A and Class A (EQ) biosolids, which are pathogen-free and meet stringent standards set by regulatory bodies, are gaining popularity among customers. It is estimated that together they will account for more than 50% of the total biosolids market by the end of the forecast period.

Agriculture constitutes the largest application segment for biosolids, accounting for over 60% of the market in 2018. Biosolids are rich in micro and macro nutrients, making them an excellent source of fertilizers, soil replacement products, and soil conditioners. Additionally, biosolids find applications in forestry and landscaping, land reclamation, construction materials, and heat generation.

Governments around the world are actively supporting biosolids management programs as part of the circular economy. Strict regulations on wastewater and waste disposal, along with the phasing out of landfilling and incineration, are driving the demand for biosolids. Recycling biosolids into agriculture offers benefits such as carbon recycling and the nourishment of vegetation for CO2 capture. The United Kingdom government and the European Union recognize the recycling of biosolids into agriculture as the best environmental option.

Despite the numerous benefits of biosolids, challenges persist in terms of malodour and effective management. Odor issues have created negative publicity in recent years, necessitating public support and awareness to ensure the success of biosolids programs. Furthermore, transportation costs and capital limitations for new plants pose challenges to market growth.

Leading companies in the global biosolids market, including Cleanaway, SUEZ, Veolia, and Thames Water, have integrated their business operations and are offering comprehensive solutions in their respective regions. These companies are also exploring partnerships with fertilizer companies to develop new application avenues. The industry is witnessing the emergence of disruptive technologies, with companies like Aries Clean Energy receiving approvals for large-scale biosolids gasification plants, which convert waste into renewable energy and biochar.

As the global biosolids market continues to grow, it is evident that this industry offers an effective and sustainable solution for reusing waste material. By harnessing the potential of biosolids, we can address the challenges of wastewater treatment, reduce dependency on commercial fertilizers, and promote a circular economy.

Web: https://www.fairfieldmarketresearch.com/Email: sales@fairfieldmarketresearch.com

[ivory--raven]

is my senator stupid or lying, garlic edition

[researchinsights]

The global biosolids market size was valued at USD 2,321.8 million in 2023 and is poised to grow at a significant CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period 2024-30. It also includes market size and projection estimations for each of the five major regions from 2024 to 2030.

[futuretonext]

The Middle East Biosolids Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022-27. The majority of the market expansion would be backed by the mounting public awareness about the benefits of biosolids, i.e., portraying their mounting utilization in different applications like agricultural, forest crop, land reclamation, landscaping, recreational fields, heat generation, incineration & gasification, oil & cement production, domestic & commercial uses, etc.

[turtlesandfrogs]

Started the day by reading this article from the NY times, and I'm frankly, disturbed.

Some highlights:

"For decades, farmers across America have been encouraged by the federal government to spread municipal sewage on millions of acres of farmland as fertilizer. It was rich in nutrients, and it helped keep the sludge out of landfills."

Which I knew, and I knew that there were concerns about contaminants from like, the medications people were on. But human waste is part of the nutrient cycle, and it always made sense to me that it should be throughly composted and returned to agricultural lands, and I assumed that people in general were taking the steps necessary to make it safe.

But here's what I didn't know:

"The 1972 Clean Water Act had required industrial plants to start sending their wastewater to treatment plants instead of releasing it into rivers and streams, which was a win for the environment but also produced vast new quantities of sludge that had to go somewhere."

Which, yay, no longer polluting bodies of water, but now that means we're applying industrial waste water to agricultural lands. And have been since 1972. Which leads to this situation, among many others, I'm sure:

"The sludge that allegedly contaminated the Colemans’ farm came from the City of Fort Worth water district, which treats sewage from more than 1.2 million people, city records show. Its facility also accepts effluent from industries including aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and auto manufacturing. Synagro takes the sludge and treats it (though not for PFAS, as it’s not required by law) then distributes it as fertilizer."

So here's what some states are doing:

"In Michigan, among the first states to investigate the chemicals in sludge fertilizer, officials shut down one farm where tests found particularly high concentrations in the soil and in cattle that grazed on the land. This year, the state prohibited the property from ever again being used for agriculture. Michigan hasn’t conducted widespread testing at other farms, partly out of concern for the economic effects on its agriculture industry.

In 2022, Maine banned the use of sewage sludge on agricultural fields. It was the first state to do so and is the only state to systematically test farms for the chemicals. Investigators have found contamination on at least 68 of the more than 100 farms checked so far, with some 1,000 sites still to be tested.

“Investigating PFAS is like opening Pandora’s box,” said Nancy McBrady, deputy commissioner of Maine’s Department of Agriculture."

This is fun:

"The E.P.A. is currently studying the risks posed by PFAS in sludge fertilizer (which the industry calls biosolids) to determine if new rules are necessary.

The agency continues to promote its use on cropland, though elsewhere it has started to take action. In April, it ordered utilities to slash PFAS levels in drinking water to near zero and designated two types of the chemical as hazardous substances that must be cleaned up by polluters. The agency now says there is no safe level of PFAS for humans...

It’s difficult to know how much fertilizer sludge is used nationwide, and E.P.A. data is incomplete. The fertilizer industry says more than 2 million dry tons were used on 4.6 million acres of farmland in 2018. And it estimates that farmers have obtained permits to use sewage sludge on nearly 70 million acres, or about a fifth of all U.S. agricultural land."

There's more, but I wanted to condense it at least a little bit. I am glad we're raising awareness, and I'm glad we're starting to regular the amount in our drinking water, and I hope that we'll find a way to actually deal with PFAS. I am so frustrated that people are exposed in the first place, and in nigh inescapable ways.

Also, to all those people who were like, oh, organic isn't at all healthier for consumers? Guess what the organic standards don't allow to be applied?

[pad-wubbo]

Good [crackalackin] news, my [Homeslices].

I have authored a [way to the promised land].

The [promised land] is available when you click on this [Hyperlink]:

https://github.com/wubmush/woomyband

It will [slice and dice] new combinations of [biosolids] that your eyes have never sizzled befizzle, fo' sure daaaawg!

[rjzimmerman]

Their Fertilizer Poisons Farmland. Now, They Want Protection From Lawsuits. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

For decades, a little-known company now owned by a Goldman Sachs fund has been making millions of dollars from the unlikely dregs of American life: sewage sludge.

The company, Synagro, sells farmers treated sludge from factories and homes to use as fertilizer. But that fertilizer, also known as biosolids, can contain harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS linked to serious health problems including cancer and birth defects.

Farmers are starting to find the chemicals contaminating their land, water, crops and livestock. Just this year, two common types of PFAS were declared hazardous substances by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Superfund law.

Now, Synagro is part of a major effort to lobby Congress to limit the ability of farmers and others to sue to clean up fields polluted by the sludge fertilizer, according to lobbying records and interviews with people familiar with the strategy. The chairman of one of the lobbying groups is Synagro’s chief executive.

In a letter to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in March, sludge-industry lobbyists argued that they shouldn’t be held liable because the chemicals were already in the sludge before they received it and made it into fertilizer.

The lobbying has found early success. A bill introduced by Senators John Boozman of Arkansas and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, both Republicans, would protect sludge companies like Synagro, as well as the wastewater plants that provide the sludge, from lawsuits. A House bill has also been introduced.

Ms. Lummis will “work with President Trump’s E.P.A. to ensure ‘passive receivers,’ like water utilities and others, are protected from bogus third-party lawsuits,” her office said in a statement, referring to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Synagro and Goldman Sachs declined to answer detailed questions. Synagro in its most recent sustainability report acknowledged the risks of PFAS contamination in its fertilizer, calling it “one of our industry’s challenges.”

Widespread manufacturing of PFAS began decades ago, with some of the country’s largest chemical companies making vast quantities and downplaying the risks. Water-resistant and virtually indestructible, the chemicals have been used in everything from nonstick pans and dental floss to firefighting gear and waterproof clothing.

[contremineur]

Biosolid fertiliser ready for farmland at Depden Green (Suffolk) — April 2016

[mintmatcha]

I was reading a thing about how a lot of states don't allow biosolid compost to be used in farming because our shit is contaminated by micro plastics and pfas......... I think it's so disturbing that our feces is now bad for the planet.....

[guerrillamydreams]

@v8pontiacgirl hates that I use this as an excuse to say, "Time to drink my biosolids!"

[bonnie131313]

underbugeted

adult alternative

biosolid

I'm stealing this from Twitter

Here's the link

I am a high-definition gateway drug body double!

[gfs-tanks]

Center Enamel Can Provide Anaerobic Digester Tanks for Spain Wastewater Treatment Project

As the global community intensifies its efforts to address climate change, environmental degradation, and the ever-growing demand for clean water, wastewater treatment has become a top priority for sustainable development. In the European Union, where strict regulations govern water discharge and environmental preservation, countries like Spain are embracing advanced technologies to modernize their infrastructure. One such innovation is anaerobic digestion, a process that not only treats sewage but also recovers energy in the form of biogas.

At the center of this transformative approach is the anaerobic digester tank, a critical structure designed to facilitate efficient biological treatment and energy recovery. Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel), China’s leading manufacturer of Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, is poised to support Spain’s wastewater treatment efforts by providing cutting-edge anaerobic digester tanks engineered for performance, durability, and environmental impact.

In this comprehensive article, we examine how Center Enamel’s innovative solutions can support Spain's sustainability objectives, the unique features of its anaerobic digester tanks, and the broader implications for wastewater infrastructure across Europe.

Spain’s Wastewater Challenges and Opportunities

Spain’s Mediterranean climate, agricultural productivity, and growing urban areas place significant demand on its water resources. The country faces challenges in water reuse, sludge management, and renewable energy integration within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

To address these challenges, Spain is expanding its adoption of anaerobic digestion technology, particularly in municipal and industrial wastewater facilities. This process aligns perfectly with the European Union’s Green Deal, which emphasizes circular economy practices and decarbonization.

Anaerobic digestion offers the dual benefit of reducing organic waste volumes and producing methane-rich biogas, which can be used to power treatment plants or exported to the energy grid. To implement this technology effectively, Spain needs high-performance digester tanks—and this is where Center Enamel can provide significant value.

Understanding Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a natural biological process that breaks down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. It is particularly effective for treating high-strength waste such as sewage sludge, agricultural residues, and food processing waste.

The byproducts of anaerobic digestion include:

Biogas: A renewable fuel composed primarily of methane and carbon dioxide.

Digestate: A nutrient-rich biosolid that can be used as fertilizer.

Anaerobic digesters must maintain specific conditions—temperature, pH, mixing, and retention time—to ensure optimal microbial activity. This is where the engineering quality of the anaerobic digester tank becomes vital.

Why Choose Center Enamel?

With over 30 years of manufacturing excellence and thousands of installations across 90+ countries, Center Enamel has earned a global reputation for delivering superior tank solutions. Its Glass-Fused-to-Steel anaerobic digester tanks are trusted in projects from Asia to Europe, Africa to South America.

Features That Set Center Enamel Apart:

Glass-Fused-to-Steel Technology: Offers unmatched resistance to corrosion, especially in harsh anaerobic environments.

Modular Construction: Enables quick on-site assembly, reducing labor costs and installation time.

Seamless Integration: Compatible with biogas systems, heating coils, mixers, and insulation.

Design Flexibility: Customizable in volume, height, diameter, and coating specifications.

Global Standards: Tanks comply with EN ISO 28765, AWWA D103, WRAS, and NSF/ANSI 61 certifications.

Applications in Spanish Wastewater Projects

Center Enamel’s anaerobic digester tanks can play a pivotal role in a variety of Spanish wastewater treatment applications, such as:

1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)

Many municipalities in Spain are upgrading outdated infrastructure to meet EU targets. Center Enamel tanks can be deployed as primary or secondary digesters in large-scale treatment plants.

2. Industrial Wastewater Projects

Spain’s food and beverage, wine, dairy, and chemical industries generate high-strength wastewater. Center Enamel’s tanks can help industrial clients meet discharge limits and recover energy from waste.

3. Agro-industrial Waste Treatment

In rural and agricultural regions, anaerobic digesters can process manure and crop residues. Center Enamel offers scalable tank systems that can be tailored to farm-based biogas plants.

A Reliable Partner for Spain’s Sustainable Future

Center Enamel is more than a tank manufacturer—it is a global leader in wastewater treatment innovation. With its robust and adaptable anaerobic digester tank systems, Center Enamel stands ready to support Spain in its journey toward green energy, environmental resilience, and resource recovery.

If your wastewater treatment project in Spain requires reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable anaerobic digestion systems, Center Enamel has the expertise, technology, and global reach to deliver.