12/29/14

In brief / en bref...

  • Quebec: Comments due to BNQ January 5th re proposed standards for use of liming amendments derived from industry sources, such as wastewater solids incineration ash, wood ash, liming manufacture residues, and cement kiln dusts.  The proposed detailed standards include various limits on trace elements and contaminants in relation to the materials' neutralizing power.  They also include maximum concentration limits for all such liming materials, including the following (mg/kg dry weight):  As = 75, Cd = 30, Cu = 1500, Ni = 420, {b = 500, and Zn = 2800.  The proposed standard also includes sampling and testing protocols and requirements, including, for some products such as cement kiln dust, testing for organic compounds (PAHs, SVOCs).  See proposed standard  and comment form (English). Details, registration, & comment form (en francais).
     
  • In court: quasar and Wheatfield, NY.  In early December, quasar energy group, under a subsidiary, sued the town of Wheatfield, NY, challenging the town's newly-created ordinance banning use of biosolids.  Wheatfield residents and others in the area have protested the land application of Class B biosolids over the past year, putting political pressure on the town.  The NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation, as well as the agriculture department, have also questioned the legality of the town ordinance, as it interferes with a normal farming practice.  The first hearing in the case is expected January 14, 2015, notes The Buffalo News.
     
  • Annual U. S. Biosolids Reports (due Feb. 19):  In November, U. S. EPA  provided an "FAQ" document and guidance regarding submitting biosolids reports.
     
  • Introducing TransAqua...  The Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission (GMSC) – a long-time NEBRA member – is now TransAqua / Greater Moncton Wastewater Commission.  The new name "TransAqua" focuses on the organization's mission: Transforming wastewater into clean water.  The new TransAqua website includes an excellent muti-media discussion of their biosolids composting operation (see "Compost").
     

  • Resource Recovery...  WERF and WEF are hosting the Intensification of Resource Recovery Forum August 9-11, 2015 at Manhattan College in New York. They are seeking technologies and systems that provide intensification of resource recovery, including recovery of energy, nutrients, water, and other products (details). Selected proposals will be featured on the forum program. Submissions are due by January 16, 2015.
     

  • Biogenic Carbon...  U. S. EPA has updated its review of how to assess net emissions from biogenic carbon sources (see here). In greenhouse gas emissions assessments, biogenic carbon is often considered carbon neutral, because it is part of the relatively short-term cycling of carbon. However, research has shown greater complexity, and EPA is considering whether and how to regulate biogenic carbon emissions. This is an important consideration for those managing biosolids and other organic residuals, because these materials are often used as renewable fuels and their emissions are considered biogenic. 

    The current review report notes that "the revised framework provides a description of the types of factors to consider when assessing biogenic CO2 emissions and presents an equation that could be used to calculate the extent to which use of biogenic materials at a stationary source results in a net atmospheric contribution of biogenic CO2 emissions."  EPA has asked its Science Advisory Board to review this latest document and provide further guidance.