Biosolids Library
This library may help biosolids managers access key resources. You can sort by document topic, name, year published and source.
| Topics | Document | Description | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Implementation Guidance | Understanding Lagoon Requirements Under 40 C.F.R. Part 503: Best Management Practices for Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, Part 1 – Land Application of Sewage Sludge Removed from Lagoons (pdf) | This document provides wastewater operators with best management practices for complying with 40 C.F.R. Part 503 when land applying sewage sludge that has been removed from lagoons. | 2024 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Fact Sheet: Biosolids Biennial Report No. 9 (Reporting Period 2020-2021) | Summary of the Biosolids Biennial Report No. 9 (Reporting 2020-2021) | 2022 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 9 (Reporting Period 2020-2021) | Section 405(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires EPA to review sewage sludge regulations every two years to identify any additional pollutants that might occur in biosolids and to set regulations for those pollutants if sufficient scientific evidence shows they could harm, or present a risk to, human health or the environment. EPA’s biennial review process is intended to help fulfill that CWA requirement. The data gleaned from the process may be used to assess risk from chemicals found in biosolids. | 2022 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 8 (Reporting Period 2018-2019) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2021 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Fact Sheet: Biosolids Biennial Report No. 8 (Reporting Period 2018-2019) | Summary of the Biosolids Biennial Report No. 8 (Reporting Period 2018-2019) | 2021 | EPA |
| Program Review | 2018 OIG Report No. 19-0002 (pdf) | The Biosolids Program was audited by the OIG in 2018 to determine whether EPA has and implements controls over the land application of sewage sludge that are protective of human health and the environment. The report’s Appendix D contains EPA’s detailed concerns and comments on the final report. | 2018 | EPA OIG |
| Program Review | EPA's Response Memorandum to the 2018 Office of the Inspector General Report on May 30, 2019 | EPA did not agree with five OIG recommendations listed in the final report. As a result, EPA and OIG engaged in the resolution process. EPA’s final response to the OIG and the five resolved OIG recommendations and EPA corrective actions are found in EPA’s 2019 memo. | 2019 | EPA |
| Program Review | Office of Inspector General Memorandum to EPA’s Response on July 25, 2019 | OIG acceptance of Planned EPA Corrective Actions for Office of Inspector General Report No. 19-P-0002, EPA Unable to Assess the Impact of Hundreds of Unregulated Pollutants in Land-Applied Biosolids on Human Health and the Environment, November 15, 2018. | 2019 | EPA OIG |
| Program Review | 2018 Final Resolved Office of Inspector General (OIG) Recommendations, EPA Corrective Actions and Target Completion Dates | EPA table includes information not available in the final OIG report and includes all OIG revised final recommendations and EPA final corrective actions and target completion dates. | 2020 | EPA |
| Program Review | 2002 OIG Report No. 2002-S-000004 (pdf) | In 2002, EPA OIG provided a status report on land application of biosolids. | 2002 | EPA OIG |
| Program Review | 2000 OIG Report No. 2000-P-10 (pdf) | In 2000, EPA OIG reviewed the Biosolids Program to determine whether (1) EPA oversight of biosolids land application can be more effective, and (2) the Government Performance and Results Act goal for biosolids is appropriate and readily reportable. | 2000 | EPA OIG |
| Meeting Summary | Summary of the EPA Biosolids PFOA & PFOS Problem Formulation Meeting 2020 (pdf) | Summary of the EPA Biosolids PFOA & PFOS Problem Formulation Meeting 2020 | 2020 | EPA |
| Meeting Summary | EPA National Biosolids Meeting Summary 2020 (pdf) | Summary of EPA Nationals Biosolids Meeting 2020 | 2020 | EPA |
| Meeting Summary | EPA National Biosolids Meeting Summary 2021 (pdf) | Summary of EPA Nationals Biosolids Meeting 2021 | 2021 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 1 (Reporting Period 2004-2005 | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2006 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 2 (Reporting Period 2006-2007) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2008 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 3 (Reporting Period 2008-2009) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2012 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 4 (Reporting Period 2010-2011) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2015 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 5 (Reporting Period 2012-2013) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2018 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 6 (Reporting Period 2014-2015) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2018 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Biosolids Biennial Report No. 7 (Reporting Period 2016-2017) | This document fulfills Section 405(d)(2)(C) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements that states that EPA shall review the sewage sludge regulations not less often than every two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations for such pollutants consistent with the requirements of section 405(d). | 2019 | EPA |
| Biennial Review |
Fact Sheet: Biosolids Biennial Report No. 4 (Reporting Period 2010-2011) |
Summary of Biosolids Biennial Review No.4 (Reporting Period 2010-2011). | 2015 | EPA |
| Biennial Review | Fact Sheet: Biosolids Biennial Reports No. 5 (Reporting Period 2012-2013) and No. 6 (Reporting Period 2014-2015) | Summary of Biosolids Biennial Reports No. 5 (Reporting Period 2012-2013) and No. 6 (Reporting Period 2014-2015). | 2018 | EPA |
| Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement | Final Sludge Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Guidance (pdf) | Final Sludge Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Guidance. | 1993 | EPA |
| Congressional Report: Pretreatment | National Pretreatment Program: Report to Congress | This is a Report to Congress examining what is known about discharges of toxic pollutants to POTWs, the extent to which POTWs remove toxic pollutants from wastewaters, and the environmental effects of toxic pollutants released from POTWs to receiving waters, sewage sludge, and air. It also evaluates how well the National Pretreament Program is being carried out, and examines alternative regulatory strategies for improving the Program. | 1991 | EPA |
| Fact Sheet | Guidance for Controlling Potential Risks to Workers Exposed to Class B Biosolids | This guidance is intended only for controlling health risks to workers from Class B biosolids during handling and land application. This guidance is not intended to address nonoccupational exposure. | 2002 | CDC/NIOSH |
| Federal Regulations | Title 40 CFR Part 136 | Part 136 - Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants. | EPA | |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Draft Rule on Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge (40 CFR Parts 257 and 503). Federal Register Vol. 54 No. 23 | Proposed rule of 40 CFR Parts 257 and 503, Standards for the Disposal of Sewage Sludge that went out for comment before Part 503 was finalized in 1993. | 1989 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Final Rule: 40 CFR Part 257 et al. Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge. Federal Register Vol. 58 No. 32 (P. 9248) | 40 CFR Part 257 et al. Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge; Final Rules. | 1993 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Final Rule: Amendment of Pollutant Limits for Molybdenum When Land Applied. Federal Register Vol. 59 No. 38 | Amendment of Pollutant Limits for Molybdenum When Land Applied. | 1994 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Final Rule on Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge (40 CFR Parts 403 and 503) Federal Register Vol. 64 No. 149 | Final Rule on Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge (40 CFR Parts 403 and 503). | 1999 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge - Federal Register Vol. 66 No. 246 | Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge; Notice. EPA is giving final notice of its determination that numeric standards or management practices are not warranted for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in sewage sludge that is disposed of at a surface disposal site or incinerated in a sewage sludge incinerator. | 2001 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Federal Water Pollution Control Act | The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but the Act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972. "Clean Water Act" became the Act's common name with amendments in 1972. | 2002 | EPA |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge: Decision Not To Regulate Dioxins in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge - Federal Register Vol. 68 No. 206 | Sewage Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge: Decision Not To Regulate Dioxins in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge; Notice. | 2003 | FR |
| Program Review | Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge; Final Agency Response to the National Research Council Report on Biosolids Applied to Land and the Results of EPA’s Review of Existing Sewage Sludge Regulations - Federal Register Vol. 68 No. 250 (P. 75531) | Federal Response to NAS Report (P. 75531). | 2003 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Final Rule: Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants; Analytical Methods for Biological Pollutants in Wastewater and Sewage Sludge. 72 Federal Register 14219 | Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants; Analytical Methods for Biological Pollutants in Wastewater and Sewage Sludge: Final Rule. | 2007 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Proposed Rule: Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incineration Units 75 Federal Register 63259 | Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incineration Units. | 2010 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards | Final Rule: Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incineration Units. 76 FR 15371 | Final Rule: Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incineration Units. | 2011 | FR |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Fact Sheet | Final Decision Not to Regulate Dioxin and Dioxin-like Compounds in Sewage Sludge which Is Placed in a Surface Disposal Unit or Fired in a Sewage Sludge Incinerator | Fact Sheet for Dioxin Disposal Decision in Surface Disposal Unit or Sewage Sludge Incinerator. | 2001 | EPA |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Fact Sheet | Final Action Not to Regulate Dioxins in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge | Fact Sheet Summarizing Final Action Not to Regulate Dioxins in Land-Applied Sewage Sludge. | 2003 | EPA |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Final Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Sewage Sludge Incinerators | Summary of EPA new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for new and existing sewage sludge incineration (SSI) units. The rule will reduce emissions of air toxics and several of the common pollutants called criteria pollutants. | 2011 | EPA |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Technical Support | Peer Review Standards for the Disposal of Sewage Sludge Proposed Rule 40 CFR Parts 257 and 503 | In 1989 the Cooperative State Research Service Technical Committee W-170, with the assistance of experts from EPA, academia, environmental groups, and units of state and local government agencies, organized a Peer Review Committee which conducted a review of EPA 40 CFR Parts 257 and 503 Standards for the Disposal of Sewage Sludge Proposed Rule. | 1989 | USDA/CSRS |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Technical Support | Statistical Support Documentation for the 40 CFR Part 503; Final Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge Volume I | This document provides the technical background that supports the production of the final NSSS estimates to be reported in the final regulation. | 1992 | EPA |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Technical Support | Statistical Support Documentation for the 40 CFR Part 503; Final Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge Volume II | Statistical methods and estimates that supported the development of the Final Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge (40 CFR Part 503) are presented in this document. Estimates include the number of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) in the Nation in 1988 practicing at least secondary treatment of wastewater and the estimated concentrations of pollutants of concern in the sewage sludge used or disposed in 1988 by these POTWs. | 1992 | EPA |
| Program Review | Use of Reclaimed Water and Sludge in Food Crop Production | This study reviews (1) the historical development, rationale, and scope of the practice of treating municipal wastewater and sludge in the United States; (2) wastewater treatment technologies and procedures for agricultural use of these materials; (3) effects on soils, crop production, and ground water; (4) public health concerns about microbiological agents and toxic chemicals; (5) existing regulations and guidelines; and (6) economic, liability, and institutional issues. | 1996 | NAS/NRC |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Technical Support | Statistical Support Document for the Development of Round 2 Biosolids Use or Disposal Regulations | The document summarized and or helped support the development of final EPA actions on sewage sludge that is incinerated, placed in sludge landfills or containment ponds, or that is land applied regarding dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. | 2002 | EPA |
| Federal Regulations and Standards: Technical Support | Problem Formulation for Human Health Risk Assessments of Pathogens in Land-Applied Biosolids | This document provides concepts and planning considerations for conducting human health risk assessments on potential pathogens in land-applied biosolids. | 2011 | EPA |
| Program Review | Biosolids Applied to Land, Advancing Standards and Practices | This report from the Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology evaluates the technical methods and approaches used by EPA to establish those standards and practices, focusing specifically on human health protection. | 2002 | NAS/NRC |
| Federal Regulations: Technical Support | Technical Background Document for the Sewage Sludge Exposure and Hazard Screening Assessment (pdf) | Technical Background Document for the Sewage Sludge Exposure and Hazard Screening Assessment. | 2003 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Institutional Constraints and Public Acceptance Barriers to Utilization of Municipal Wastewater and Sludge for Land Reclamation and Biomass Production (pdf) | This study involved an analysis of the institutional constraints and public acceptance barriers to the development of full scale projects utilizing sewage sludge in land reclamation and biomass production. The findings of this research are often applicable to a broader range of wastewater and sewage sludge land application projects. | 1981 | EPA/USDA |
| Implementation Guidance | Land Application Requirements for Class A Exceptional Quality Treated Sewage Sludge (pdf) | EPA’s interpretation of 40 CFR §§ 503.10(e), (f), and (g), regarding whether certain land application requirements apply to entities, including a treatment works or a soil blender, that derive material from Class A EQ sewage sludge. | 2020 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Technical Support Document for Land Application of Sewage Sludge, Volume 1 (pdf) | Establish general requirements, management practices, operational standards, frequency of monitoring, recordkeeping requirements, and reporting requirement practices essential to protect human health and the environment. | 1992 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Technical Support Document for Land Application of Sewage Sludge, Volume 2 (pdf) | Support information regarding the land application of sewage sludge. | 1992 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Technical Support Document for Reduction of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge (pdf) | Support information regarding the reduction of pathogens and vector attraction in sewage sludge. | 1992 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Technical Support Document for Sewage Sludge Incineration (pdf) | Support information regarding Sewage Sludge Incineration. | 1992 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Environmental Regulations and Technology: Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge | This document provides basic information about why pathogen control and vector attraction reduction in biosolids are essential for the protection of public health and the environment. EPA updated this document in 2023. Refer to Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge, 2023 for the most up to date information. | 2003 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge | This document provides basic information about why pathogen control and vector attraction reduction in biosolids are essential for the protection of public health and the environment. This updated version improves flow, removes redundancies and contains updates to clarify pathogen Alternatives 3 and 4 for Class A sewage sludge. The methods section has been updated to include the U.S. EPA methods for testing biosolids for the presence of fecal coliforms and Salmonella. | 2023 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Domestic Septage Regulatory Guidance | A guide to the federal EPA rule for land application of domestic septage to non-public contact sites. | 1993 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Preparing Sewage Sludge For Land Application or Surface Disposal; A Guide for Preparers of Sewage Sludge on the Monitoring, Record Keeping, and Reporting Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503 | This document focuses on the monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements that apply to persons who prepare sewage sludge or a material derived from sewage sludge. The introduction is followed by three sections that detail the monitoring, record keeping, and notification and reporting requirements, respectively. | 1993 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule | This guidance document is not a substitute for the actual rule, but it is intended as a helpful tool. The guide has not been updated to include amendments to 40 CFR Part 503 that occurred after 1994. | 1994 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Land Application of Sewage Sludge | A Guide for Land Appliers on the Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503. | 1994 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge; A Guide for Owners/Operators of Surface Disposal Facilities on the Monitoring, Recordkeeping, and Reporting Requirements of the Federal Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge, 40 CFR Part 503 (pdf) | A guide for owners/operators of surface disposal facilities on the monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements of the federal standards for the use or disposal of sewage sludge, 40 CFR Part 503. | 1994 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | THC Continuous Emission Monitoring Guidance For Part 503 Sewage Sludge Incinerators (pdf) | EPA's guidance document for monitoring of total hydrocarbons (THCs) at sewage sludge incinerators. This document was finalized in response to comments received from Federal, State and local government agencies. | 1994 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | A Guide to the Biosolids Risk Assessments for the EPA Part 503 Rule | This guide has been prepared to provide an understanding of the risk assessment process that was conducted as a basis for the Part 503 biosolids rule. The document takes the reader through the multiple-step risk assessment process. | 1995 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | Part 503 Implementation Guidance | This document is a guidance manual intended to provide information that may be needed to properly implement Part 503. This document does not address the Part 503 requirements for the use or disposal of domestic septage. | 1995 | EPA |
| Management Practices | Anaerobic Digestion and its Application | This paper provides a brief overview of the science of anaerobic digestion (AD). It describes how increased implementation of AD systems supports current EPA priorities and summarizes current applications of AD systems to achieve various environmental goals. Information is presented on the connection between AD systems and EPA’s strategic goals and cross-agency strategies. | 2015 | EPA |
| Management Practices | Land Application of Muncipal Sewage Sludge for the Production of Fruits and Vegetables; A Statement of Federal Policy and Guidance (pdf) | Provides guidance by U.S. EPA, FDA, and USDA to help minimize any risks and achieve the goals of optimal utilization of sludge nutrients and production of high quality fruit and vegetable crops. | 1981 | EPA, FDA, USDA |
| Management Practices | Guide to Septage Treatment and Disposal | The purpose of this guide is to present practical information on the handling, treatment, and disposal of septage in a concise, recommendations-oriented format for easy use by administrators of waste management programs, septage haulers, and managers or operators of septage handling facilities. | 1994 | EPA |
| Management Practices | Biosolids Management Handbook | Handbook for Biosolids Management. | EPA | |
| Management Practices | Biosolids Generation, Use, and Disposal in the United States | This report focuses on biosolids generated by publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and the subsequent management practices used by POTWs for treating and then recycling or disposing of biosolids. This report also examines the advantages to MSW operators of using biosolids in composting operations for land application and sale to the public. | 1999 | EPA |
| Management Practices | Guide to Field Storage of Biosolids | Guide To Field Storage of Biosolids and Other Organic By-Products Used in Agriculture and for Soil Resource Management. | 2000 | EPA |
| Management Practices | Compost Use In Forest Land Restoration (pdf) | This handbook is primarily intended for use in restoration of lands disturbed by forest management activities in the Pacific Northwest. The goal is to share information and to provide examples of successful restoration projects using compost. Examples of organic materials typically used to produce compost include yardwaste, manure, and biosolids. | 2005 | EPA |
| Management Practices | The Use of Soil Amendments for Remediation, Revitalization, and Reuse | This paper is a result of EPA's Soil Amendments for Ecological Revitalization Workshop to assess known problems and potential solutions related to the use of soil amendments in revitalizing ecosystems on contaminated lands. This soil remediation technology can be applied to Superfund and brownfields sites, large and small mining sites, and other sites with disturbed or degraded soils. | 2006 | EPA |
| Management Practices: Research | Removal and Recovery of Metals and Phosphates from Municipal Sewage Sludge (pdf) | This report presents the results of a study that looked at the technical and economical feasibility of removing and then recovering the heavy metals and phosphates present in phosphorus-laden chemical sludge. | 1980 | EPA |
| Manual | POTW Sludge Sampling and Analysis Guidance Document | This manual was developed to provide guidance to POTW operators, engineers, managers, chemists and permit writers. It was intended to provide guidance in developing and implementing a sampling and analysis program, to gather information on sludge quality and determine compliance with permit conditions. | 1989 | EPA |
| Manual | Process Design Manual: Land Application of Sewage Sludge and Domestic Septage | The manual is intended to provide general guidance and basic information on the planning, design, and operation of sewage sludge land application projects. | 1995 | EPA |
| Manual: Technology Assessment | Process Design Manual for Sludge Treatment and Disposal | The purpose of this manual is to provide the engineering community and related industry with a new source of information to be used in the planning, design, and operation of present and future wastewater pollution control facilities. This manual supplements this existing knowledge by describing new treatment methods and by discussing the application of new techniques for more effectively removing a broad spectrum of contaminants from wastewater. | 1979 | EPA |
| Manual: Technology Assessment | Innovative and Alternative Technology Assessment Manual (pdf) | The manual contains a user's guide, an innovative and alternative technology screening methodology, cost and energy effectiveness analysis criteria and procedures as well as a set of comprehensive fact sheets for commonly employed and emerging municipal technology processes, systems and subsystems. | 1980 | EPA |
| Method | Method 1600: Enterococci in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Enterococcus Indoxyl-β-D-Glucoside Agar (mEI) | Method 1600 describes a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of the enterococci bacteria in water. This is a single-step method that is a modification of EPA Method 1106.1 (mE-EIA). | 2014 | EPA |
| Method | Method 1603: Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using Modified membrane-Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar (Modified mTEC) | Method 1603 describes a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli bacteria in ambient waters and disinfected wastewaters. This method is a single-step modification of EPA Method 1103.1 (mTEC). | 2014 | EPA |
| Method | Method 1680: Fecal Coliforms in Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) by MultipleTube Fermentation using Lauryl Tryptose Broth (LTB) and EC Medium | This method describes multiple-tube fermentation procedures [also called the most probable number (MPN) procedure] for the detection and enumeration of fecal coliform bacteria in biosolids. | 2010 | EPA |
| Method | Method 1681: Fecal Coliforms in Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) by MultipleTube Fermentation using A-1 medium | This method describes multiple-tube fermentation procedures [also called the most probable number (MPN) procedure] for the detection and enumeration of fecal coliform bacteria in biosolids. These methods use culture-specific media and elevated temperature to isolate and enumerate fecal coliform organisms. | 2006 | EPA |
| Method | Method 1682: Salmonella in Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) by Modified Semisolid Rappaport-Vassiliadis (MSRV) Medium | Method 1682 is a performance-based method for detecting Salmonella in biosolids. Method 1682 requires calculation of the MPN via enrichment, with selection and biochemical confirmation for determination of Salmonella. | 2006 | EPA |
| Method | Method 1683 Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate in Biosolids | This method is applicable to the determination of the specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) (Section 18.14) in biosolids (Section 18.2) treated in an aerobic process. Microorganisms in sewage sludge use oxygen as they consume organic matter. The level of microbial activity in sludge is indicated by the microorganisms’ oxygen uptake rate. High oxygen uptake rates indicate high microbial activity and high organic matter content; low oxygen uptake rates indicate low microbial activity and low organic matter content. | 2001 | EPA |
| Policy | EPA's Policy Promoting The Beneficial Use Of Sewage Sludge and the New Proposed Technical Sludge Regulations (pdf) | This document helps clarify the purpose of the new proposed sewage sludge standards and reaffirms the Agency's policy of encouraging beneficial use of sewage sludge. This publication also describes current Federal and State requirements that will govern sludge use and disposal practices until the new technical sludge regulations are promulgated in final form. | 1989 | EPA |
| Research Summary | Summary: Study Examines the Fate of Multiple Contaminants when Biosolids are Applied to Agricultural Land | Summary of the research study conducted to evaluate air and soil sampling methods and analytical techniques for commercial land application of biosolids. | 2012 | EPA |
| Research: Methods | Multimedia Sampling During the Application of Biosolids on a Land Test Site | The goal of this research study was to evaluate air and soil sampling methods and analytical techniques for commercial land application of biosolids. | 2012 | EPA |
| Review: Biosolids Beneficial Use | Biosolids Recycling: Beneficial Technology for a Better Environment | This booklet discusses and reaffirms U.S. EPA’s policy that encourages the beneficial use of biosolids. It briefly discusses important aspects of the new regulation (40 CFR Part 503) that governs the final use or disposal of biosolids. It concludes with a discussion of the scientific basis of the rule and names of people and references to contact for additional information regarding the rule and risk assessment. | 1994 | EPA |
| Review: Health Effects | Health Effects of Land Application of Municipal Sludge (pdf) | Examines the potential health effects arising from the land application of municipal sewage sludge. Addresses pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths) and toxic substances (including organics, trace elements, and nitrates). | 1985 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | 1988 National Sewage Sludge Survey | EPA conducted the National Sewage Sludge Survey (NSSS) in 1988 to obtain a database on biosolids quality and management that could be used to help develop the Part 503 rule. | 1992 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | The AMSA 2000/2001 Survey of Dioxin-like Compounds in Biosolids: Statistical Analysis | A survey to determine current levels of dioxin-like compounds (i.e., polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dioxin-like coplanar PCBs) in biosolids (sewage sludge). These data were collected, first, to assist U.S. EPA in developing an environmentally sound and technically correct dioxin limit for land-applied biosolids, and second, to determine whether dioxin concentrations in biosolids have decreased since the 1994/1995 AMSA survey. | 2001 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | 2001 National Sewage Sludge Survey Report | The objective of the survey was to obtain unbiased national estimates of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in sewage sludge to enable EPA to perform a multipathway exposure assessment and risk assessment of the disposal of sewage sludge through land application. | 2007 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | Occurrence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Wastewater from Nine Publicly Owned Treatment Works (pdf) | The primary objective of EPA’s Nine POTW Study (the Study) was to investigate the occurrence of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in untreated and fully treated wastewater at publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey Sampling and Analysis Technical Report | The TNSSS was designed to: 1) obtain updated occurrence information on nine analytes of potential concern, and 2) obtain occurrence information on a number of contaminants of emerging interest identified by EPA and the National Research Council (NRC). The objective of the survey was to obtain national estimates of the concentrations of these pollutants in sewage sludge for use in assessing if exposures may be occurring and whether those levels may be of concern. | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey Statistical Analysis Report | This document provides technical background, statistical methods, and resulting estimates of pollutant concentrations in treated sewage sludge (“biosolids”) that represent Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) in the contiguous United States with flow rates of at least 1 million gallons per day (MGD). | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | TNSSS Statistical Analysis Report Appendix A | List of Facilities in the TNSSS and Sample Measurements by Analyte. | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | TNSSS Statistical Analysis Report Appendix B | Data Review and Preparation for Statistical Analysis. | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | TNSSS Statistical Analysis Report Appendix C | Statistical Methodology. | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | TNSSS Statistical Analysis Report Appendix D | Estimates of Mean, Standard Deviation, and Selected Percentiles as Calculated under both Statistical Approaches. | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | TNSSS Statistical Analysis Report Appendix E | Statistical Design for the Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey . | 2006 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | TNSSS Statistical Analysis Report Appendix F | Estimates from the 1988 National Sewage Sludge Survey (NSSS). | 2009 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey (TNSSS): Summary Statistics and Estimates of 95th Percentiles for 84 Additional Analytes | This document provides the statistical analysis of pollutant concentrations for 84 non-prioritized analytes from the 2009 Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey. | 2021 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | Report on the Elemental Analyses of Samples from the Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey (pdf) | This report describes the sampling and analysis activities performed in a follow-up to EPA Targeted National Sewage Sludge Survey (TNSSS) and presents summary level data from the elemental analyses of sewage sludge samples. | 2021 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | Sampling Procedures and Protocols for the National Sewage Sludge Survey (pdf) | This document present the sampling procedures and protocols for the NSSS. | 1988 | EPA |
| Sewage Sludge Survey | National Sewage Sludge Survey: Availability of Information and Data, and Anticipated Impacts on Proposed Regulations, Federal Register Vol. 55 No. 218 | National Sewage Sludge Survey: Availability of Information and Data, and Anticipated Impacts on Proposed Regulations. | 1990 | FR |
| Technology | Emerging Technologies for Biosolids Management | U.S. EPA is providing this document to make information available on recent advances and emerging techniques. The goal of this document is to provide a guide for persons seeking information on innovative and embryonic biosolids treatment technologies. | 2006 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Alkaline Stabilization of Biosolids | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for alkaline stabilization in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Belt Filter Press | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for belt filter press in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Gravity Thickening | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for gravity thickening in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2003 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Centrifuge Thickening and Dewatering | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for centrifuge thickening and dewatering in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Heat Drying | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for heat drying in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2006 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Use of Incineration for Biosolids Management | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for incineration in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2002 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: In-Vessel Composting of Biosolids | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for in-vessel composting of biosolids provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Land Application of Biosolids | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for land application of biosolids provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Multi-Stage Anaerobic Digestion | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for multi-stage anaerobic digestion in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2006 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Odor Control in Biosolids Management | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for odor control in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Recessed-Plate Filter Press | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for recessed-plate filter press in biosolids management provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2000 | EPA |
| Technology Fact Sheet | Fact Sheet: Use of Landfilling for Biosolids Management | The biosolids and residuals management fact sheet for landfilling of biosolids provides a description of the technology, applicability to wastewater treatment plants, performance capabilities and data, costs and more information. | 2003 | EPA |
| Implementation Guidance | A History of Land Application as a Treatment Alternative | This review was conducted to attempt to determine whether the history of land treatment could assist in explaining the reasons behind the apparent reluctance to use this wastewater treatment option, and to provide a basis for judging its future prospects. | 1979 | EPA |
| Research: Methods | Assessment of the Effects of Holding Time on Fecal Coliform and Salmonella Concentrations in Biosolids | The purpose of this study was to determine whether biosolid samples can be held for 24 hours without significant change in bacterial densities for these analytes. | 2006 | EPA |
| Research Summary | Occurrence of Pathogens in Distribution and Marketing Municipal Sludges (pdf) | This report describes the occurrence of microorganisms in distributed and marketed municipal wastewater sludges in 1988. | 1988 | EPA |