CompostingA Virtual Tour

STORMWATER

COMMERCIAL WASTEWATER

RESIDENTIAL WASTEWATER

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant

Biosolids Can Go To…

Landfill if they contain heavy metals

Incinerated

Applied on land (but only certain crops and animals can use it)

Composted to further reduce pathogens

EPA regulations• Regulates heavy metals in soil – if they are

over the limits then they need to be put in a landfill or incinerated

• Vectors (insects)• Pathogens (fecal coliforms)

Controversy• Some people are against composting and their

argument is over the heavy metals in the soil• However these metals are monitored by the

EPA and heavy metals already occur in the soil naturally.