Oklahoma Administrative Code › Title 252 - Department of Environmental Quality › Chapter 606 - Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (OPDES) Standards › Subchapter 8 - Biosolids Requirements › Section 252:606-8-6 - Land application of biosolids

Current through Vol. 41, No. 20, July 1, 2024
(a)
Compliance.
All permittees shall operate a land application site
				pursuant to the terms of the DEQ issued permit and DEQ approved sludge
				management plan.
(b)
Requirements.
(1)
Certification.
When required by the DEQ, the owner, generator or
				operator must certify that the land application system will be operated
				according to this Chapter.
(2)
One applier.
A land application site shall be used by only one
				land applier at a time unless the DEQ approves other users.
(3)
Subsequent use for land
				application.
The DEQ may approve a previously used land application site
				for subsequent land application.
(4)
Multiple sources.
A land
				applier who owns or operates more than one source facility or surface
				impoundment may utilize the same land application site for the application of
				biosolids from the multiple facilities or impoundments with prior written
				approval of the DEQ.
(5)
Topography.
A land application site must have minimal slope or be
				contoured to prevent ponding and soil erosion. No application can occur on land
				having a slope exceeding five percent (5%) but less than ten percent (10%)
				unless erosion or runoff controls are implemented for liquid biosolids. Land
				having a slope greater than ten percent (10%) may be utilized for land
				application of dewatered and dried biosolids only with DEQ approval.
(6)
Off-site hauling.
The owner,
				generator or operator must prevent biosolids and mud from a land application
				site from being carried off-site. If necessary, biosolids hauling vehicles must
				be cleaned prior to leaving the site and the rinse water disposed of in
				accordance with DEQ rules.
(7)
Manner.
Land apply sludge in a manner to prevent surface runoff
				and to control objectionable odors. Incorporate sludge into the soil before the
				end of each working day. Do not store or land apply, or allow to run off,
				sludge or wastewater to wetlands or waters of the state. Discharges to waters
				of the state are prohibited without a discharge permit under OAC
				252:606.
(8)
pH
				limits.
Any site with soil having a natural pH of less than 5.5 cannot
				be used for the land application of biosolids unless the soil pH is amended
				prior to application of biosolids. Documentation of soil amendment must be
				placed in the land applier's compliance records.
(9)
Phosphorus and nitrogen.
Annual biosolids land application rate cannot exceed nitrogen and phosphorus
				rates for the crop grown and cannot be applied in rates that result in
				phytotoxicity.
(10)
Soil
				sampling.
(A)
Sample and
				analysis.
All background and annual soil sampling and analyses must be
				of a composite sample taken from an area 80 acres or less in size for each site
				proposed or used for the land application of biosolids. The DEQ may approve
				larger sampling areas on a case by case basis. Soil testing procedures
				applicable for use in the local area in accordance with Oklahoma State
				University soil testing guidance or the local NRCS may be used.
(B)
Operational soil monitoring.
A land applier must collect representative soil samples and have them analyzed
				as follows:
(i) For soil pH and the nutrients
				- nitrogen (N), ammonia (NH4 ), nitrates
				(NO3 ), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) prior to the
				next annual application of biosolids;
(ii) For metals in Table 3 of
				40 CFR §
													503.13(b) after every third
				year of use prior to the fourth year of use; and
(iii) For all required background metals
				prior to the fourth year of biosolids application on each site.
(11)
Laboratory
				analyses.
(A) All biosolids analyses
				required by this Subchapter must be performed by an accredited
				laboratory.
(B) All soil analyses
				performed under 606-8-6(b)(10)(B)(i) must be performed by an accredited
				laboratory or by a university laboratory that demonstrates to the reasonable
				satisfaction of the DEQ to have the analytical expertise and be familiar with
				Oklahoma crops and soils.
(12)
Monitoring wells.
The DEQ
				may require monitor wells and boreholes in connection with the land application
				of biosolids. These wells must be designed, constructed and plugged in
				accordance with OAC 785:35.