A Tale of Trials, Tribulation & Triumph: Biosolids Management in the Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest weather has become somewhat synonymous with gray skies and steady drizzle. The climate for biosolids recycling in the Northwest, however, has primarily been a fair-weather tale. From innovative research projects to successful public-private partnerships, the Northwest has provided ideal end-use opportunities, active stakeholders and a supportive regulatory framework to operate within.However, this tale would not be complete without the misadventures and conflict that prompted a new direction. The state of biosolids recycling was not always met with favorable reception. From tenacious protests against land application to heated public meetings, it would've appeared that biosolids reuse had no hope. There was a clear need to work together to find sustainable and environmentally sound solutions for biosolids and to share knowledge about biosolids management options.This presentation will provide an overview of biosolids recycling statistics, trends and forecasts in the Pacific Northwest.How much biosolids are reused vs. disposed?How much biosolids are being utilized in agriculture, forestry, reclamation and Class A distribution?How are biosolids being treated?What are our research project priorities?What are the top pressures facing biosolids recycling?