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Accept the 2021 Annual Biosolids Land Application Report from the Department of Resource Management
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors accept the 2021 Annual Biosolids Land Application Report from the Department of Resource Management.
SUMMARY:
Solano County Code, Chapter 25 requires a report be submitted annually to the Board of Supervisors, presenting the results of the past season’s activities on the land application of Class B biosolids in Solano County. The report must also include an update on the generator’s progress toward utilizing alternative technologies for the reuse of biosolids other than land application or landfilling. The report documenting the results of the 2021 season for the land application of biosolids in Solano County is attached (Attachment A).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost of managing and overseeing the biosolids land application program is recovered through fees collected for site registration and land spreading which are charged to the applicant. Costs for biosolids material sampling and sample analysis are also charged to the applicant. A per acre surcharge for research, charged to the applicant, is used for conducting research activity to improve our understanding of potential impacts, if any, of the land application of biosolids. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2021/22 Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Solano County is one of the few California counties that regulate the land application of biosolids onto agricultural land as a soil amendment. Since 1997, the Department of Resource Management (DRM) staff has been implementing the local biosolids land application program by enforcing the Solano County Code (SCC) Chapter 25 which incorporates the requirements contained in CFR 40, Part 503 of the federal standards. SCC Chapter 25 was significantly amended between 1998-2012 to include various requirements such as public notification requirements for land spreading activity, wet weather restrictions on biosolids land application and spreading, prohibiting the application of biosolids within the primary and secondary marsh areas, and expanding soil and groundwater testing related to biosolids land application. Subsequent amendments have added clarity, such as those regulating biosolids compost registration prior to application. These amendments to Chapter 25 have provided additional public health and environmental protections regarding the use of biosolids. This program has previously been recognized nationally, and is focused on increased public participation, research partnership, and proactive enforcement of standards.
During 2021, thirteen generators provided approximately 10,010 dry tons of biosolids that was land spread over 2,070 acres of farmland as soil amendment. This is an approximate 43% increase in tonnage and a 52% increase in acres applied compared to 2020. All biosolid samples were reported to meet both Class A and Class B standards for heavy metals in compliance with Solano County Code, Chapter 25 requirements.
Four complaints were received during the 2021 season, however none of the complaints received were associated with biosolids land spreading activities regulated by the County. All four complaints were attributed to Lystegro, a California Department of Food and Agriculture registered liquid fertilizer product that is derived from Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids that have undergone a patented conversion process, including chemical additives and the potential addition of other organic materials. Lystegro is applied by Lystek and is placed below ground, using discs. Past sampling by the Department has shown this product to be pathogen free. Staff continues to explore voluntary mitigation measures with Lystek to reduce any potential re-occurrence of odor nuisance issues associated with its use and may return to the Board with additional recommendations regarding biosolids derived fertilizer products should such voluntary efforts not succeed.
This report discusses the pollutant loading rates and life expectancies of registered fields and nitrogen agronomic rate applications to maximize plant uptake of the nutrients and to minimize the potential for nitrate runoff from biosolids applied fields. The report also includes a copy of the 2021 Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA) annual report that provides an update on the generators’ progress toward utilizing alternative technologies for the reuse of biosolids other than land application or landfilling, and the outcome of the stakeholder meeting held on February 17, 2022.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors can also choose to not receive the 2021 Biosolids Land Application Report. This is not recommended as the report is provided in accordance with Solano County Code and details the activity of the Department relative to the land application of biosolids in 2021.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
In obtaining information for this report, the Department consulted with County Counsel, County Administrator’s Office, County Agricultural Department, UC Agriculture Extension, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Boards, Synagro LLC, Lystek International Inc., and the biosolids stakeholder group, which includes representation from interested constituents from the Rio Vista Suisun areas of Solano County, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District, Union Sanitary District and the City and County of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Information contained in the 2021 Annual Biosolids Land Application Report is distributed to participants in the Biosolids Stakeholder Group.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION