Biosolids recycling benefits the customers of Pennsylvania's wastewater treatment plants and supports Pennsylvania's farmers and Pennsylvania's mine reclamation efforts with a good source of nutrients. Biosolids recycling has been recommended by environmental officials for over two decades. Federal and state regulations have been promulgated over the past several years that are based on an extensive body of scientific research which shows that the land application of biosolids is an environmentally safe and sound practice. The PWEA supports the regulatory framework for biosolids recycling which has been established by the legislature and the Department of Environmental Protection and strongly believes that no additional restrictions are warranted for the protection of human health, environmental quality or property values. Biosolids recycling is good for Pennsylvania for several important reasons.
Recycling harnesses the nutrients and organic matter present in biosolids.
This is wholly consistent with state environmental goals. State regulations, based on a sound scientific approach, ensure that recycling poses no unacceptable risks to the environment. Disposal or incineration approaches to biosolids management do not accomplish these popular goals. Biosolids recycling benefits all Pennsylvanians and the environment when it is used for mine reclamation. Biosolids have been successfully used as part of mine reclamation strategies for the last 20 years to promote regrowth in areas distributed by mining.