Making our Mission Reality Supporting Sustainable Biosolids Initiatives in the Pacific Northwest

Mobilizing for Sustainability: Sustainability was the driving force that encouraged the seeds of a Northwest Regional Biosolids network to begin to blossom. The beginnings of a grass roots biosolids organization began to take root in the Pacific Northwest in 1987 with the vision and volunteer efforts of 14 pioneering biosolids programs.The problem – mixed messages surrounding sound biosolids management were being broadcast to concerned citizens, health districts and the media. The solution – bring all stakeholders to the table to develop a unified voice on the beneficial use of biosolids in the region. So ensued the assembly of a regional biosolids network that included wastewater agencies, research institutions, regulators and environmental organizations. Today, the NBMA has grown to almost 200 public wastewater agencies, sewer districts, and private companies in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia. The NBMA is a volunteer driven organization that mobilizes their collective funding to support information exchange and education events, university involvement and research and biosolids regulations review.This presentation will provide an overview of sustainable biosolids initiatives in the Pacific Northwest that include:Information access – creation of the Organics Residuals Resource CenterRegulations development – participation in a local biosolids ordinance discussionResearch and demonstration – cross-country collaboration on greenhouse gas researchNew projects – branding biosolids project, product stewardship collaboration, urban agriculture with biosolids and low-impact development research