Technical Assistance

A checklist and template for developing a Biosolids Management Plan, a checklist for obtaining a Site Authorization letter, a form and certification statements for developing an Annual Report, and useful publications on Land Application.

Biosolids Management Plan

All domestic wastewater treatment facilities that apply biosolids to the land must operate under a biosolids management plan that has been reviewed and approved by DEQ.  The plan is specific to each facility and serves as the administrative tool to guide the production, treatment, storage, transportation, and land application of biosolids for beneficial use.

• Biosolids Management Plan Evaluation Checklist (under review)
• Biosolids Management Plan Template PDF

Site Authorization Letter

A site authorization letter is issued by DEQ regional water quality staff and is required prior to land application at a particular site.  The letter specifies conditions for land application, including crop requirements, biosolids application rates, seasonal restrictions, setback distances to roads, wells, and water sources, and other pertinent site management information.

• Site Authorization Documentation Checklist for the Land Application of Biosolids PDF

Soil information is needed to determine the suitability of a site for biosolids land application.  Information from a soil survey should be attached to the site authorization request.

• Oregon Soil Survey Data (USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service)

Biosolids Annual Report

All water quality permittees in Oregon that land apply biosolids, or sell or give away biosolids derived products for distribution and marketing during a calendar year are required to submit an annual report to DEQ.  The annual report is due by February 19 of the following year and must include specific information on biosolids management and land application activities.

• Biosolids Annual Report Form PDF
• Certification statements for recordkeeping

Land Application Publications

Biosolids can be utilized as an important source of nutrients for crops.  It is essential to manage the agronomic application rates in utilizing biosolids for fertilizer nitrogen.

• Worksheet for Calculating Biosolids Application Rates in Agriculture, PNW 511 (WSU, OSU, and UofI extension agencies and USDA), Cogger, C.G. and D.M. Sullivan. 1999.
• Managing Nitrogen from Biosolids, WA Dept. of Ecology Publication #99-508 (WA Dept. of Ecology and the Northwest Biosolids Management Association), Henry, C., D. Sullivan, R. Rynk, K. Dorsey, and C. Cogger. 1999.

[print version]