Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Agricultural Use of Biosolids
(Position Statement)
(Fulton Conservation District)

The Fulton County Conservation District supports the beneficial use of biosolids or sewage sludge for application to agricultural land, when the following conditions are met:

• The farm receiving the biosolids has a soil conservation plan meeting the requirements of the PA Code, Title 25. Chapter 102. Erosion Control, and the plan is fully implemented.
• The biosolids are of good quality, determined by lab analysis, which meets the state and federal regulations for application to agricultural lands.
• The site is suitable and under good management and meeting the permit requirements of the state and federal regulations. Good management includes frequent testing of the biosolids and the soil to which it is applied, as well as application of the biosolids to meet crop needs to be determined by a Nutrient Management Plan.

It is the opinion of the board that beneficial use is, at the present time, the best available alternative for the use of biosolids. It is recycling at the most basic level of human life and will improve soil organic matter and tilth, which will improve the long term sustainability and productivity of the soil, when the above conditions are met.

(This policy was reviewed and updated on March 9, 2000 by the Fulton County Conservation District Board of Directors.)