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Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making
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Description: Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for...
Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making

Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making

Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making

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Description: Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for...
Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making
Abstract
In the realm of local governance, navigating biosolids management projects requires adept engagement with local government elected officials. This presentation delves into the intricate challenges surrounding the comprehension of biosolids technologies and regulations among policymakers, emphasizing the paramount importance of a transparent policy development process. From selecting alternatives to assessing options and developing criteria, this multi-step approach empowers elected officials to weigh choices effectively. By elucidating these complexities and advocating for a robust decision-making framework, stakeholders can expedite the journey of biosolids management projects across the finish line, ensuring informed and impactful outcomes. The development of a biosolids strategy is unique for every utility and region. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach as biosolids management strategies weigh heavily on quantity, quality, and available regional markets combined with state and federal regulations. Thus, navigating the selection of a particular strategy can prove to be challenging and often depends on multiple factors. One important factor is the desire of the agency to embrace sustainability and reuse. This is a key consideration as processes that implement a more sustainable approach to recycling and reusing biosolids are also more cost intensive. In far too many cases, we hear about utility policies or projects that were almost enacted but never received approval by the elected board and in some cases, it was squashed before even getting on a board agenda. We can call this 'getting across the finish line'. In some cases, much effort was expended in completing various studies and analysis for a particular project or program, yet for one reason or another, it just never got put into action because someone within the hierarchal structure decided that it was not politically feasible. It is my belief based on experience that 95% of the overall effort is in getting the project through the last 5% of approvals (with the final approval being the elected body). That said, it means that much more effort should be placed on political strategy to ensure successful approvals are obtained, enabling the program to move forward with implementation. Specifically, the strategy should involve a concerted effort towards a formal policy adoption process. Without that, projects will continue to stagnate, and progress towards a more vibrant utility will stall. Utilizing the Kraft policy process model, utilities can more effectively implement solutions through gaining approval and acceptance by elected officials. The policy process model is comprised of six steps that form the lifecycle of a policy -- or policy cycle. The six steps of the policy cycle are: - Agenda setting -- this represents the recognition of a problem combined with a definition of what the problem is. - Policy formulation -- this involves the development of a policy which seeks to remedy the identified problem. - Policy legitimation -- this involves the determination of authority for government to enact the policy. This step can involve all three executive branches through their checks and balances of laws enacted, enforced or challenged as well as public perception of the policy. - Policy implementation -- this involves the enforcement and execution of the policy after the law is enacted. - Policy and program evaluation -- this involves the study of the efficacy of the policy in solving the original problem. - Policy change -- this is a change or modification to the existing policy after new information is obtained and evaluated. A pivotal step in the policy formulation step is the assessment of alternatives. Kraft's policy approach to assessing alternatives and using criteria involves thoroughly evaluating potential options based on predetermined criteria. This includes analyzing factors such as cost, effectiveness, sustainability, and political feasibility for each policy alternative. By doing this, utilities can employ a systematic process to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative before making a final selection thereby guiding their elected board transparently and strategically through the policy evaluation process. By providing policy alternatives to the elected board or council, combined with analysis of criteria of each alternative, the elected body will be able to weigh each alternative and make an informed decision. This also enables the board to retain appropriate power and authority over the decision, while limiting options so that they are not overwhelmed with too many complexities that create confusion and indecisiveness. In this presentation, we will evaluate a case study involving a private sewer lateral policy in Pinellas County, Florida, that used an alternatives analysis approach to policy adoption and by doing so, successfully adopted a comprehensive policy with unanimous approval. This case study will include specific materials that were included in the board packets that provided summarized information for each option and therefore encouraged a more transparent process for decision-making. Then, we will take this approach and show how it could be applied to evaluating alternative options for a biosolids management strategy. In conclusion, I will summarize all of the key takeaways and provide reference materials that can be used to help guide the process. I will also provide an update on the ongoing activities of the Southeast Biosolids Association (SEBA) and the progress that has been made in standing up the organization as well as the significant advocacy efforts that are underway. Additionally, I will review the call to action for membership and staying vigilant in advocacy efforts that support the sustainable and beneficial use of biosolids.
This paper was presented at the WEF Residuals & Biosolids and Innovations in Treatment Technology Joint Conference, May 6-9, 2025.
SpeakerRoss, Megan
Presentation time
14:30:00
14:50:00
Session time
13:30:00
15:00:00
SessionNavigating Land Based Biosolids Management
Session number16
Session locationBaltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
TopicAerobic Digestion, Agriculture, Biosolids, Data Management, Decision Making, Market Development, PFAS/Emerging Contaminants, Risk Assessment, Soil Health, Stakeholder Engagement, Utility Management
TopicAerobic Digestion, Agriculture, Biosolids, Data Management, Decision Making, Market Development, PFAS/Emerging Contaminants, Risk Assessment, Soil Health, Stakeholder Engagement, Utility Management
Author(s)
Ross, Megan
Author(s)M. Ross1
Author affiliation(s)Kiewit Water Facilities Florida, 1
SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation
Document typeConference Paper
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Print publication date May 2025
DOI10.2175/193864718825159800
Volume / Issue
Content sourceResiduals and Biosolids Conference
Word count15

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Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making
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Description: Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for...
Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making
Abstract
In the realm of local governance, navigating biosolids management projects requires adept engagement with local government elected officials. This presentation delves into the intricate challenges surrounding the comprehension of biosolids technologies and regulations among policymakers, emphasizing the paramount importance of a transparent policy development process. From selecting alternatives to assessing options and developing criteria, this multi-step approach empowers elected officials to weigh choices effectively. By elucidating these complexities and advocating for a robust decision-making framework, stakeholders can expedite the journey of biosolids management projects across the finish line, ensuring informed and impactful outcomes. The development of a biosolids strategy is unique for every utility and region. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach as biosolids management strategies weigh heavily on quantity, quality, and available regional markets combined with state and federal regulations. Thus, navigating the selection of a particular strategy can prove to be challenging and often depends on multiple factors. One important factor is the desire of the agency to embrace sustainability and reuse. This is a key consideration as processes that implement a more sustainable approach to recycling and reusing biosolids are also more cost intensive. In far too many cases, we hear about utility policies or projects that were almost enacted but never received approval by the elected board and in some cases, it was squashed before even getting on a board agenda. We can call this 'getting across the finish line'. In some cases, much effort was expended in completing various studies and analysis for a particular project or program, yet for one reason or another, it just never got put into action because someone within the hierarchal structure decided that it was not politically feasible. It is my belief based on experience that 95% of the overall effort is in getting the project through the last 5% of approvals (with the final approval being the elected body). That said, it means that much more effort should be placed on political strategy to ensure successful approvals are obtained, enabling the program to move forward with implementation. Specifically, the strategy should involve a concerted effort towards a formal policy adoption process. Without that, projects will continue to stagnate, and progress towards a more vibrant utility will stall. Utilizing the Kraft policy process model, utilities can more effectively implement solutions through gaining approval and acceptance by elected officials. The policy process model is comprised of six steps that form the lifecycle of a policy -- or policy cycle. The six steps of the policy cycle are: - Agenda setting -- this represents the recognition of a problem combined with a definition of what the problem is. - Policy formulation -- this involves the development of a policy which seeks to remedy the identified problem. - Policy legitimation -- this involves the determination of authority for government to enact the policy. This step can involve all three executive branches through their checks and balances of laws enacted, enforced or challenged as well as public perception of the policy. - Policy implementation -- this involves the enforcement and execution of the policy after the law is enacted. - Policy and program evaluation -- this involves the study of the efficacy of the policy in solving the original problem. - Policy change -- this is a change or modification to the existing policy after new information is obtained and evaluated. A pivotal step in the policy formulation step is the assessment of alternatives. Kraft's policy approach to assessing alternatives and using criteria involves thoroughly evaluating potential options based on predetermined criteria. This includes analyzing factors such as cost, effectiveness, sustainability, and political feasibility for each policy alternative. By doing this, utilities can employ a systematic process to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative before making a final selection thereby guiding their elected board transparently and strategically through the policy evaluation process. By providing policy alternatives to the elected board or council, combined with analysis of criteria of each alternative, the elected body will be able to weigh each alternative and make an informed decision. This also enables the board to retain appropriate power and authority over the decision, while limiting options so that they are not overwhelmed with too many complexities that create confusion and indecisiveness. In this presentation, we will evaluate a case study involving a private sewer lateral policy in Pinellas County, Florida, that used an alternatives analysis approach to policy adoption and by doing so, successfully adopted a comprehensive policy with unanimous approval. This case study will include specific materials that were included in the board packets that provided summarized information for each option and therefore encouraged a more transparent process for decision-making. Then, we will take this approach and show how it could be applied to evaluating alternative options for a biosolids management strategy. In conclusion, I will summarize all of the key takeaways and provide reference materials that can be used to help guide the process. I will also provide an update on the ongoing activities of the Southeast Biosolids Association (SEBA) and the progress that has been made in standing up the organization as well as the significant advocacy efforts that are underway. Additionally, I will review the call to action for membership and staying vigilant in advocacy efforts that support the sustainable and beneficial use of biosolids.
This paper was presented at the WEF Residuals & Biosolids and Innovations in Treatment Technology Joint Conference, May 6-9, 2025.
SpeakerRoss, Megan
Presentation time
14:30:00
14:50:00
Session time
13:30:00
15:00:00
SessionNavigating Land Based Biosolids Management
Session number16
Session locationBaltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
TopicAerobic Digestion, Agriculture, Biosolids, Data Management, Decision Making, Market Development, PFAS/Emerging Contaminants, Risk Assessment, Soil Health, Stakeholder Engagement, Utility Management
TopicAerobic Digestion, Agriculture, Biosolids, Data Management, Decision Making, Market Development, PFAS/Emerging Contaminants, Risk Assessment, Soil Health, Stakeholder Engagement, Utility Management
Author(s)
Ross, Megan
Author(s)M. Ross1
Author affiliation(s)Kiewit Water Facilities Florida, 1
SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation
Document typeConference Paper
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Print publication date May 2025
DOI10.2175/193864718825159800
Volume / Issue
Content sourceResiduals and Biosolids Conference
Word count15

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Ross, Megan. Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making. Water Environment Federation, 2025. Web. 2 Aug. 2025. <https://www.accesswater.org?id=-10116841CITANCHOR>.
Ross, Megan. Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making. Water Environment Federation, 2025. Accessed August 2, 2025. https://www.accesswater.org/?id=-10116841CITANCHOR.
Ross, Megan
Getting a Biosolids Strategy Across the Finish Line: Engaging Elected Officials for Informed Decision-Making
Access Water
Water Environment Federation
May 8, 2025
August 2, 2025
https://www.accesswater.org/?id=-10116841CITANCHOR