Investigation of Alleged Health Incidents Associated with Land Application of Sewage Sludges

Abstract

The majority of U.S. sewage sludges are disposed by application to land for use as a soil amendment. Class B sludges, containing a complex mix of chemical and biological contaminants, comprise the majority. Residents near land application sites report illness. Symptoms of more than 328 people involved in 39 incidents in 15 states are described. Investigation and tracking of the incidents by agencies is poor. Only one of 10 EPA regions provided substantial information on the incidents in their region. Investigations, when conducted, focused on compliance with regulations. No substantial healthrelated investigations were conducted by federal, state, or local officials. A system for tracking and investigation is needed. Analysis of the limited data suggests that surface-applied Class B sludges present the greatest risk and should be eliminated. However, even under less risky application scenarios, the potential for off-site movement of chemicals, pathogens, and biological agents suggests that their use should be eliminated. OBJECTIVEWe conducted investigations into the numerous incidents in which residents living near sites where sewage sludges are land applied have reported illness. We compiled information about the health complaints. In order to find out what tracking and investigations had been carried out by the responsible authorities, we sought any information that federal and state agencies had about these incidents. Information regarding the sludge management practices associated with the 387 Ó 2002, Baywood Publishing Co., Inc.

Impact of biosolids and wastewater effluent application to agricultural land on steroidal hormone content in lettuce plants

“…Therefore, efforts are being made to increase the reuse of sludge products in agricultural fields. For example, about half of the sludge produced in the largest sewage treatment plant in Israel (Shafdan) is used in agriculture as class A biosolids (sludge that has been treated to reduce bacteria prior to application to land; Harrison and Oakes, 2002). Israel is also one of the leading countries in exploitation of effluents for irrigation -in 2010, 86% of the total effluents were reused in agriculture (Israel Water Authority, 2012).…”

Survey of Wastewater Indicators and Human Pathogen Genomes in Biosolids Produced by Class A and Class B Stabilization Treatments

“…Driven by health complaints from residents living near application sites, concern has been expressed that a hazardous exposure is created when biosolid aerosols are spread onto fields, incorporated into soils, and released during high-wind events (23,36). Research in the last 5 years has made significant progress in estimating the human exposure to total biosolid aerosols and biosolid indicator microorganisms.…”

Spreading of Bio-wastes onto Soil Surfaces to Control Pathogens: Human Health and Environmental Consequences

“…Class A materials are assumed to be essentially pathogen free and its land application is not subjected to any access, grazing, or harvesting restrictions. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency (1993) gave some additional guidelines for the use of bio-solids to restrict the possible health hazards of pathogens, health risks associated with the surface application (unincorporation) of bio-solids were not taken into account; rather federal rules allow the application of sludge onto the surface without being incorporating into the soil (Harrison and Oakes, 2002). In an investigation, Harrison and Oakes (2002) observed that the main source of illnesses in the area was the surface application (un-incorporation) of Class B bio-solids.…”