Regulations: biosolids, federal U.S.A. and Canada
United States Biosolids Regulations
The 1993 U. S. EPA regulations at 40 CFR Part 503 govern the use & disposal of wastewater solids (sewage sludge) in the U.S.
See:
40 CFR Part 503 regulations
A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule
Additional support documents regarding the Part 503 rule
"From 503 to Infinity" - a history of Part 503 on its 20th Anniversary (NEWEA Journal, 2014)
For additional information, go to EPA Biosolids Program website. And check out EPA’s Biosolids Program Strategy for 2020-2025.
Canada Biosolids Approach
Canada does not have federal biosolids regulations. Provinces have jurisdiction on use and disposal of wastewater solids. In 2012, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) developed a national approach by agreement of the provincial environment ministers. It "promotes the beneficial use of valuable resources such as nutrients, organic matter and energy contained within municipal biosolids, municipal sludge and treated septage."
See:
Canada-Wide Approach for the Management of Wastewater Biosolids (Oct. 2012)
Canada-Wide Approach Questions & Answers (2012)
Visit CCME biosolids website
A Review of the Current Canadian Legislative Framework for Wastewater Biosolids (2010)
For more about biosolids regulation in other areas, contact related organizations.
The NEBRA office has additional information, references, and referrals.
