This manual is designed to serve as a resource for those who organize and conduct training programs in biosolids management. It describes the process of organizing and conducting effective training sessions as well as the technical topics that should be covered. This manual was produced in an effort to begin implementation of the "Code of Good Practice" developed by the Northwest Biosolids Management Association (see "Code of Good Practice," below).
This training manual contains the following major sections:
"Getting Started" targets training program organizers and presenters. Tips and suggestions are provided for organizing successful workshops and for presentation methods that actively involve participants in the learning process.
"Training Modules" are written for the presenters at a training workshop. We expect presenters to adapt the initial training ideas presented here. A training module covers one aspect of biosolids management. The major curriculum topics-Regulatory Compliance, Biosolids Quality, Public Information, Transportation to Land Application, Land Application: Nutrient Management, and Land Application: Site Management-correspond approximately with the NBMA Code of Good Practice. For each module, the manual provides an overview, specific items that training participants should be able to master (Need-to-knows), and training suggestions and resources.
"Innovative Presentation Methods" gives a detailed description of training methods that involve the participants in creative thinking and hands-on learning. Included are a Biosolids Jeopardy game, case studies, and a take-home test.
"Training Resources" lists existing guidance publications that are useful resources for presenters in preparing for a training workshop. This section also lists contact information for biosolids regulatory agencies and biosolids industry associations. Included are World Wide Web addresses for these organizations, so that presenters can take advantage of educational materials on the Web.
"Appendix: State and National Biosolids Training Programs" describes the lessons learned from the Oregon pilot training workshops, and the outlook for a coordinated national biosolids training program within the next 5 years.
This manual is focused on how to organize and prepare for a training event and does not provide technical specifications for biosolids management. Organizers of and presenters at biosolids training events are the major audience for this manual. The manual also may be of interest to biosolids managers and their employees, authors of guidance documents, and developers of a national training program. The list below identifies the major users of this manual and describes potential applications.
Workshop organizer or education coordinator: Select topics for an effective workshop. Use "Training Modules" to communicate with workshop presenters. Use Need-to-knows to prepare a test for workshop participants.
Presenter of a session at a biosolids training workshop: Use "Presenting at a Training Program," "Training Modules," "Innovative Presentation Methods," and "Training Resources" to prepare workshop presentations and handouts. Review "Training Modules" of other presenters to avoid overlap with your presentation.
State or regional biosolids management organization: Determine the structure and topics to be included in a voluntary certification/accreditation program.
Biosolids manager (wastewater treatment facility or private business): Use "Training Modules" to conduct in-house training for employees.
Biosolids managers/employees: Conduct self-directed training using existing guidance documents in conjunction with Need-to-knows in the "Training Modules."
Preparers of biosolids guidance documents: Organize guidance information to be compatible with the modular organization of the "Training Modules."
Developers of national program for biosolids training: Use "Training Modules" as a first draft of an outline for a national curriculum. Add/combine/delete modules to reach consensus on minimum national standards. Revise suggested structure for national training in "Outlook for a Coordinated National Training Program" to meet training goals.
This manual does not ensure the quality of training provided. It gives a general outline for training, but relies on the workshop organizers and presenters to deliver timely and appropriate information. The manual does not provide ready-to-use handout materials for workshop participants. This task is left to organizers and presenters of biosolids training events.
This manual, although useful for a national audience, is focused on biosolids management in the Pacific Northwest. For example, soil testing at biosolids application sites is required by some states in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, this topic is covered in a training module. Soil testing is not required by EPA regulations. Organizers and presenters in other regions will need to customize the training modules to fit local conditions.
In training modules on land application of biosolids, the manual focuses on agricultural site management. Biosolids can promote vegetation establishment and increase the productivity of many kinds of nonagricultural sites, including forests, Christmas tree farms, poplar plantations, rangelands, and drastically disturbed sites (e.g., urban sites and mining sites). Additional modules for management of specific kinds of application sites could be added when there is a demand for training in these areas.
This manual aims to provide broad coverage of topics important to biosolids management. It highlights key topics, but does not provide all the details. The use of this training manual is not a substitute for a thorough knowledge of federal and state rules pertaining to biosolids management. The manual is also incomplete in its coverage of topics that may be important to biosolids management. Wastewater treatment processes, biosolids storage, and other topics may have a place in a biosolids training program. Future revisions to enhance the training concepts outlined here are encouraged and applauded.
Northwest Biosolids Management Association (NBMA)
The Code of Good Practice, prepared by the Northwest Biosolids Management Association
(NBMA) in 1998, summarizes goals and objectives for environmentally responsible biosolids
management programs. The Code was developed by a cooperative process involving biosolids
generators, regulatory agencies, and other interested parties. It is formatted for
participants to sign after completion of a training workshop, indicating the participant's
commitment to work toward responsible environmental management. The Code is expected to
undergo continued refinement in the coming years as it is adapted for nationwide use.
Regulatory Compliance
Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Biosolids Product Quality
Provide valuable products for beneficial use that adhere to regulatory quality standards
for metals, pathogen reduction, and vector attraction reduction. Recognizing that each
generating facility operates individually, each facility should consider other product
quality parameters such as aesthetics, usability, and consistency as biosolids are
provided to the public or placed in the environment.
Public Information
Provide meaningful public information and opportunities for public involvement, including
a communication plan addressing the public, users, and interested others.
Safe Transportation
Prevent nuisance conditions and spills during transportation. An Incident Response Plan
specific to the biosolids and the geographic area in which they are transported should be
carried in each vehicle, and drivers should be trained in its utilization.
Application Site Management
Ensure appropriate and practical application site practices, including nutrient
application planning (i.e., agronomic rates), recognized best management practices,
maintenance of buffer zones, and site selection criteria.
Good Housekeeping
Require good housekeeping practices to prevent odor, traffic, dust, noise, etc. from
impacting biosolids project neighbors and the general public.
Contingency Planning
Require programmatic contingency or emergency plans for unexpected but predictable events
(e.g., inclement weather, spills, injuries).
Continual Improvement
Ensure continual improvement for biosolids programs and personnel by participating in
training and educational opportunities, voluntary periodic self-auditing, and management
reviews, and by encouraging third-party verification.
Statement of Support
I have successfully completed the NBMA biosolids training program and agree to uphold the
principles of this Code of Good Practice to the best of my abilities.
Signature_____________________________________________________________
Date_____________________
Affiliation_____________________________________________________________
This Code of Good Practice for biosolids recycling was developed through a Cooperative
Agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Northwest Biosolids
Management Association.