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Regional Program Priority
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Regional Initiatives
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New York Water Quality Publications
Septage
Quality and Its Effect on Field Life for Land Application
by Ellen Z. Harrison and Molly Moffe
Publisher:
The Journal of the American Water Resources Association
(2003) USA
Funding Source: CALS and CCE
Abstract : Maintenance of
the more than 24 million septic tanks in the US requires removal
and disposal of septage. Disposal options include application
to agricultural lands where the nutrients and organic matter
can provide soil benefits. However, pathogens and contaminants
are also contained in septage. An extensive search turned
up very few data on septage quality, and those reveal high
variability. The data used by USEPA in developing regulations
had the lowest metal concentrations among the nine data sets
that could be compared. Based on these data, EPA assumed that
septage could be applied to agricultural land for more than
100 applications before reaching unacceptable cumulative loading
of metals. They thus did not establish federal standards for
metals in septage, and no monitoring is required under federal
rules governing septage disposal. Analysis of the nine data
sets we found showed that field site life would be reached
in less than 100 applications for most septage and cumulative
loading limits established by USEPA for sewage sludges will
be exceeded in 16 applications for some septage as opposed
to the 100 application estimate used by USEPA. Determination
of acceptable cumulative loading depends on numerous technical
and policy considerations. All septage sources reached the
more restrictive loading limits such as those established
by NYSDEC and the recommendations in Cornell publications
in less than 100 applications. In one case the cumulative
limit for copper was exceeded in a single application. These
findings suggest additional data are needed on septage quality
and that the federal and state agencies responsible for regulating
application of septage to agricultural land should reassess
their standards.
About the Authors: Ellen Z.
Harrison web page - cwmi.css.cornell.edu/harrison.htm
Land
Application of Sewage Sludges: An Appraisal of the US Regulations
by Ellen Z. Harrison, Murray B. McBride, and David R. Bouldin
Publisher:
International Journal of Environment and Pollution
(1999) U.K.
Funding Source: CALS and
CCE
Abstract: Current US federal
regulations governing the land application of sewage sludges
do not appear adequately protective of human health, agricultural
productivity or ecological health. US standards are far less
protective than those of many European countries and Canadian
provinces. This is due to both policy choices such as a 'do
no harm' philosophy applied in some northern European countries
and also to many gaps and non-conservative assumptions in
the risk assessment performed by US Environmental Protection
Agency. The potential for widespread use of sludges on agricultural
and residential land, the persistence of many of the pollutants,
which may remain in soils for a very long time, and the difficulty
of remediation support a cautious approach. Soil, water and
crop characteristics in New York State and other areas of
the northeastern US raise particular concerns. The authors
do not suggest a prohibition of land application but, rather,
significantly more restrictive use. Limiting cumulative additions
of pollutants to prevent soils from exceeding recommended
maximum contaminant levels can be achieved by application
of clean sludges or by application of lesser amounts of less
high quality sludges. Further investigation is needed to assess
risks to ground and surface water and to establish standards
for additional contaminants.
About the Authors: Ellen Z.
Harrison web page - cwmi.css.cornell.edu/harrison.htm
Streamside
and Shoreline Protection: Erosion Control in Riparian Areas
by Mark Russo - Environmental Program Director Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Rockland County
Publisher:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County (2003)
Rockland County, USA
Funding Source: Hudson Valley
Regional Council
Abstract: This booklet is
a guide and a resource for property owners whose property
abuts a stream or other waterbody. To help them recognize
potential causes and prevent pollution of the water supplies.
This is a 46 page booklet including the appendix.
About the Author: Mark Russo
- Environmental Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension
of Roackland County, Environmental Issues Leader (soon to
be retired)
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