In 2016, Northwest Biosolids coordinated a project in which participating agencies tested their biosolids, composts, and soil mixes for trace organic compounds from pharmaceuticals and personal care products. 11 agencies from the US and Canada submitted a total of 27 samples.
It's a necessary part of living and yet the measure of biosolids worth and existence often goes unnoticed.
Our collective flush
As a nation, we produce close to 8 million dry tons of biosolids each year. Across the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alberta) we produced nearly 200,000 dry tons of biosolids in 2015.
Regulating biosolids
From the beginning, biosolids use has been based on 'cradle to grave' standards. EPA evaluated hundreds of pollutants to set biosolids use standards and ensure safety - setting a high bar for quality products, higher than any other soil amendment on the market.
Not too much, not too little – this much biosolids is just right
Biosolids are carefully applied using agronomic rates - a calculation that matches the nutrients in biosolids exactly to the amount the crop and soil need. The crop thrives, but no excess nutrients can leach away and harm water bodies.
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Population measured by your #2
Read more about how poop can serve as a reliable indicator for measuring community population in this Grist article.
200,000 dry tons
Northwest Biosolids surveyed our regional production across the Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alberta). In 2015, we produced nearly 200,000 dry tons of biosolids.
