 |
 |
|
Compost
made from a mixture of residuals and yard trimmings is applied
to palm trees in Palm Beach County (left photo courtesy of
Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County). |
 |
|
Residuals from a domestic wastewater treatment facility in
Tallahassee are applied to a coastal bermuda grass field (above
photo courtesy of the City of
Tallahassee). |
Domestic
Wastewater Residuals
When domestic wastewater is treated, a solid material accumulates in
the wastewater treatment plant and must be removed periodically to keep
the plant operating properly. The collected material, called
“residuals,” “biosolids,” or more commonly “sewage sludge,” is high in
organic content, and contains moderate amounts of nutrients that are
needed by plants. These characteristics make residuals valuable as a
soil conditioner and fertilizer.
Properly treated residuals may be used as a fertilizer supplement or
soil amendment, subject to regulatory requirements that have been
established to protect public health and the environment. These
requirements (found in Chapter 62-640, F.A.C.) include pollutant limits,
treatment to destroy harmful microorganisms, and management practices
for land application sites. Residuals may be used by application to land
in farming and ranching operations, forest lands, and public areas such
as parks, or in land reclamation projects such as restoration of mining
properties. The highest quality of residuals, known in Florida as “Class
AA,” are distributed and marketed like other commercial fertilizers.
Residuals
Rules and Forms:
Download:
Get
the following Residuals forms:
- DEP
Form 62-640.210(2)(a), F.A.C., Agriculture Use Plan
- DEP
Form 62-640.210(2)(b), F.A.C., Residuals Annual Summary
- DEP
Form 62-640.210(2)(c), F.A.C., Monthly Residuals Distribution
and Marketing Report
- DEP
Form 62-640.210(2)(d), F.A.C., Residuals Monitoring Report
The Department is currently considering revisions to Chapter 62-640,
F.A.C. To find out more about the rulemaking effort, see the
Domestic Wastewater Residuals Rulemaking Updates
page.
Residuals-Related Information and Downloads
Links
to Other Residuals/Biosolids Information:
The following websites contain vast amounts of
information:
For Information Contact:
Residuals Coordinator
Domestic Wastewater Section
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3540
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Email:
Maurice.Barker@dep.state.fl.us
(850) 245-8605
Back to Wastewater | Compliance
| Domestic | Industrial
Homepages
