Biosolids are rich in organic matter that can improve soil quality by improving water holding capacity, soil structure and air and water transport. Proper use of biosolids can ultimately decrease top soil erosion. Colorado State University agronomists have shown continuous application of three dry tons per acre every other year to dryland wheat produces comparable yields, higher protein content, and larger economic returns compared with the use of 50-60 pounds per acre of commercial nitrogen fertilizer. Most simply, biosolids is the new name for what had previously had been referred to as sewage sludge. Sewage sludge now refers to untreated primary and secondary organic solids.
Incineration is very expensive.
Landfilling and surface disposal are really temporary solutions to a permanent problem. Because biosolids are a valuable resource, recycling as soil amendments is the preferred disposal option. Before about 25 years ago, the traditional practice in this Region was to landfill or incinerate what was then called sewage sludge. During the past quarter century the practice changed to recycling biosolids as soil amendments. The EPA in 1993 set forth requirements for management of all biosolids generated during the process of treating municipal wastewater, commonly called the 503 rule.