Bio-residuals,
a mixture of solid matter and treated effluent (wastewater, are one of
two end products of the domestic wastewater treatment process. The
other end product is strictly treated effluent, also called reuse
water.
Bio-residuals are routinely tested in the laboratory to determine the
composition of the material. Those bio-residuals that satisfy Federal
and State treatment and stabilization requirements are recycled back
into the environment as a soil conditioner through the land
application process. The organic matter in the bio-residuals increases
the soil's ability to capture and store water and provides additional
nutrients for the vegetation. The use of bio-residuals reduces the
quantity of waste taken to landfills, the need for chemical
fertilizers and irrigation, improves the fertility of the soil and
promotes recycling efforts. Land application of bio-residuals is
restricted to agricultural land including but not limited to;
cattle/horse grazing, sod farms and ornamental foliage farms.
Land application sites must be permitted, and fees are collected based
on the volume of bio-residuals applied. Proposed land application
sites are carefully evaluated before a permit is issued. The site must
meet specific setback and characteristic requirements as well as
County zoning restrictions. If the site and bio-residuals meet all
requirements, a permit is issued for one year. Periodically throughout
the year and at the time of permit renewal, inspections are made to
assure the land spreading activity is being performed in a safe and
environmentally sound manner, according to permit stipulations. In
addition, nutrient loading rates are also reviewed at the time of
permit renewal.
Land
Application Sites Map