Responding to Biosolids Regulatory Requirements in California

Several areas where the City of Los Angeles land applied its biosolids such as Kern, Kings, and Riverside Counties have imposed local ordinances restricting or banning Class B biosolids application. The fate of Class B land application and the bans restricting its use started in 1999 and continues to date. These local bans have prompted agencies to look at new management options and research new technologies to produce biosolids that are more acceptable to the public and protective of public health and the environment. In order to accomplish this goal and respond to the Class B bans or restrictions, the City of Los Angeles implemented a Biosolids Environmental Management System and now produces a Class A biosolids after extensive process modifications.