Biosolids

Fifty years ago, thousands of American cities dumped their raw sewage directly into our nation's rivers, lakes, and bays. Today, because of improved wastewater treatment, our waterways have been cleaned up and made safer for recreation and seafood harvest. And, because of the strict federal and state standards, the treated residuals from wastewater treatment (biosolids) can be safely recycled. Local governments make the decision whether to recycle the biosolids as a fertilizer, incinerate it, or bury it in a landfill.

Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge (the name for the solid, semisolid, or liquid untreated residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility). When treated and processed, sewage sludge becomes biosolids which can be safely recycled and applied as fertilizer to sustainably improve and maintain productive soils and stimulate plant growth.

Only biosolids that meet the most stringent standards spelled out in the federal and state rules can be approved for use as a fertilizer. Now, through a Voluntary Environmental Management System, being developed for biosolids (EMS) by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP), community-friendly practices will also be followed.

Although cities decide how best to manage their biosolids, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is obligated and continues to provide the public with educational information, based on the best science, about the safe recycling and disposal of biosolids. EPA strongly supports the ongoing efforts of the NBP to develop the EMS and to provide correct and timely information about biosolids via its new communications system.

The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) encourages the use of Biosolids (also known as sewage sludge) to enhance agricultural and silvicultural production in Michigan. Almost all Biosolids that are land applied in Michigan are used to grow crops on sites at agronomic application rates approved by the EGLE. Biosolids are also used to provide nutrients and soil conditioning in mine reclamation programs, tree farms, and forest lands.

Michigan's Biosolids Program

The Michigan Biosolids Program is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development's (MDARD) role in the Michigan's Biosolids Program is Education and Technical Assistance to those individuals affected by the land application of biosolids. EGLE and MDARD have partnered with Michigan Farm Bureau Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Water Environment Association to form a Michigan Biosolids Team to provide leadership and promote beneficial uses of Biosolids and to make Michigan a national leader in environmentally sound Biosolids processes and products.

2024 Agro Expo Demo Plot

2022 Biosolids Annual Report

Biosolids Newsletter: May 2024