BIOSOLIDS – A SAFE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR AGRICULTURE, A UK EXPERIENCE
Steve Ntifo, Water UK,
(free)
Biosolids, the treated form of sewage sludge, have been in use in the UK and European agriculture for over forty years. The advances in the practice to date are the result of extensive research, improved technology, and regulation leading to its recognition as the Best Practicable Environment Option (BPEO) in most cases by the European Commission (EC) and UK Government. The EC’s ongoing work on the Thematic Soils Strategy and related Sludge and Biowastes Directives is a testimony for the need to manage and enhance soils in Europe deriving the fertiliser and soil structure improvement properties of biosolids. In addition to complying with EC and UK legislation the UK Water Industry is operating further control regimes for application of biosolids akin to food safety such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Generation of domestic sewage, treatment of effluent and sludge, and related disposal and recycling are challenges for society as a whole as we continue to be the generators. This paper provides an overview of the UK experience and the challenges for the future in providing this safe, sustainable solution for a societal need.
KEY WORDS Biosolids, code of practice, hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP), safe sludge matrix, sewage sludge
