BACWA Biosolids Workshop

June 2, 2008

Biosolids Update and Issues

Greg Kester, CASA Biosolids Mgr.

Associated Press ArticlesYear long effort by two writers

Interviewed many on both sides of recycling

Appeared to those interviewed to have an agenda

Articles appeared March 12 & April 13

Georgia Court DecisionSubject of first AP article

Federal Judge overturned earlier USDA decision

Awarded a “Prevented Planting” subsidy

Discounted research and arguments by DOJ

Accepted farmers “research”

Lead Remediation ResearchUrban soils have dangerously high lead

concentrations

No program in place for remediation

Johns Hopkins, KKI, USDA, Others under HUD grant

Use biosolids compost in poor Baltimore neighborhood

Showed ~ 65% reduction in Pb bio-availability

Similar results in East St. Louis

AP Article Attacks Pb Study’sClaim research targeted poor African-Americans

Implies toxic “sludge” was thrust upon the innocent

Implies research is similar to Tuskegee experiment

Must understand that children were highly exposed to dangerous Pb levels

Research showed greatly reduced risk and improved quality of life

AP Story Follow-upUSDA chose not to appeal Court decision

Arguments will be held to decide subsidy award

Johns Hopkins and KKI vigorously defend research

Lead author removed from further articles – mea culpa?

Consideration being given to joint statement by many stakeholders

Sen Boxer may hold EPW HearingsCASA met with her staff in Camarillo and at

DC Conference

May hold Hearing on Biosolids

Expect both AP subjects as topics

CASA provided requested data to her staff

Great opportunity to set record straight – IF!!

Biosolids Cross-Media RoundtableHeld May 16th in Sacramento

Good Representation Water, Waste, Air, AD, RWQB

Presented 3 examples – SJAD 4565; SCAD 1133.2; SCAD 1110.2

Excellent dialogue and candor

Fed and State law blamed, in part, for silo approach

2008 CASA Biosolids SurveyLast survey completed in 1998

Sent to ~ 200 POTW’s & Contractors in CA

Provide data on treatment, quality, end use, quantity, regulatory framework, and obstacles

Data review under way

Will produce report