The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Biosolids
Biosolids
Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials, which remain following the treatment of domestic sewage at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Biosolids undergo additional treatment processes to stabilize the materials and kill pathogens prior to being utilized as a soil amendment and conditioner. Biosolids are typically beneficially used on agriculture land, although under certain conditions biosolids can be used on forest lands, reclamation sites and public use sites. Depending on the treatment process, biosolids come in various forms, such as: liquid, dewatered cake, slurry, composted materials, or dried pellets. Michigan’s Biosolids Program is regulated by EGLE’s Water Resources Division (WRD), under the authority of Part 31 of the Water Resources Protection of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451 (NREPA), Michigan’s Part 24 Administrative Rules.
-
Resources for permitees
- Biosolids General Permit
- Biosolids Annual DMR: A Step by Step Guide to Submittal in MiEnviro
- Biosolids Annual Report: A Step by Step Guide to Submittal in MiEnviro
- EPA Process Design Manual - Biosolids Monitoring and Sampling
- FAQ for Biosolids Generators
- MiEnviro - Permitting and Compliance Database
- MiEnviro Information page
- MiEnviro Help - Contact Us
- Wastewater Operator Training
- Biosolids Residuals Management Program (RMP) Form
- Biosolids Site Transfer form (DOCX)
- Land Application Site Identification Form (PDF)
- Land Application Site Identification Form (DOCX)
- Biosolids Anaerobic Digester Information
- Biosolids Annual Reports (BAR)
- Biosolids Recycling Form
- Biosolids Solids Balance Calculator
-
Technical resources for Michigan
- Biosolids Land Reclamation Photo Gallery
- Biosolids Microbiology Photo Gallery
- MSU Extension - Applying Biosolids to Land in Michigan (E2780)
- MSU Extension - Soil Sampling Bulletin E-498
- Michigan Department of Agriculture Biosolids page
- Michigan Water Environment Association
- US EPA Biosolids
- National Academy of Sciences - Water Information Center
- National Biosolids Partnership
- NRCS Nutrient Management program
- Water Environment Federation - Biosolids
- Water Environment Federation Q&A Land Application and Composting of Biosolids
-
Resources from other regions
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management - Land Application Permitting
- Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association
- North East Biosolids & Residuals Association
- Ohio EPA Biosolids Program
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture - Biosolids Information
- Penn State University Bulletin - Use of Biosolids in crop production
- Penn State University Bulletin - What is Sewage Sludge and what can be done with it?
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Biosolids Program
- University of Missouri Extension - Biosolids Publications
- United States Department of Agriculture Research - Manure and Byproduct Utilization
- Virginia Biosolids Council - home page
- Washington State University
Contact Us
Each county has a specific biosolids coordinator assigned; find your county biosolids coordinator.