Presentation method overview
A take-home test provides an additional learning experience for workshop participants.
Through completion of the test, participants become familiar with where to find
information on a variety of topics. The test also provides feedback to instructors on what
participants learned. Satisfactory completion of a take-home test can serve as a minimum
requirement for a workshop completion certificate.
Presentation method description
The test is provided to participants at the end of the training workshop. For
computer-scoring, the test must be multiple choice or true/false. For workshops with a
small number of participants and a willing instructor, short-answer problem-solving
questions can be used.
Another way of giving a test is to make the test available on the World Wide Web. This kind of testing is routinely used in distance education classes offered by universities.
Presentation method example--Take-home test
For the Oregon workshops, we provided a take-home test of about 100 questions and gave
workshop participants about 10 days to return the test for computer scoring. Participants
receiving a score of 70 percent or higher received a completion certificate. An
individualized computer score sheet, listing the correct answer for incorrect responses,
was sent back to participants with the completion certificate. Example test questions for
each area of the curriculum are listed on the following pages.
Take-home test-Sample questions
Regulatory Compliance (Training Module 1)
1. Federal and state biosolids rules apply to
a) Metal concentrations in the biosolids
b) The land application sites
c) Pathogen levels in the biosolids
d) All of the above
2. Certification statements, required by the EPA Part 503 regulation, state that the
land applier and his or her employees are qualified to gather information and perform the
tasks required by EPA.
a) True
b) False
3. As a minimum, how often does the permittee have to show compliance with vector
attraction reduction requirements?
a) Once during the report year.
b) Daily during the time biosolids are land-applied under reduction options 1 to 8
c) On the same frequency as pollutant monitoring when vector attraction reduction options
1 through 8 are met
d) None of the above
Biosolids Quality: EPA Part 503 Requirements (Training Module 2.1)
1. Most biosolids produced at Oregon wastewater treatment facilities are
a) Land -applied as a beneficial use
b) Dumped into hazardous waste landfills
c) Incinerated
d) Taken to Washington D.C. to fertilize the White House lawn
2. Class A and B refer to the level of pathogen reduction achieved in the biosolids
treatment process.
a) True
b) False
3. If you have Class A biosolids, you don't have to worry about vector attraction
reduction standards.
a) True
b) False
4. Using a designated PFRP process to treat municipal sewage sludge will
a) Produce Class A biosolids
b) Eliminate the requirement to monitor fecal coliform or salmonella
c) Eliminate the requirement to monitor vector attraction reduction
d) Eliminate the requirement to monitor solids treatment operations
e) All of the above
5. Using a designated PSRP process to treat municipal sewage sludge will
a) Produce Class A biosolids
b) Eliminate the requirement to monitor fecal coliform
c) Eliminate the requirement to monitor vector attraction reduction
d) Eliminate the requirement to monitor solids treatment operations
e) All of the above
6. Which of the following solids treatment processes can be used to produce a Class A
liquid biosolids product that also meets one of the first eight vector attraction
reduction options?
a) Composting
b) Lime treatment
c) Anaerobic digestion (mesophilic)
d) Thermophilic aerobic digestion
7. Biosolids storage volume requirements generally are most dependent upon
a) Annual generation of total dry solids
b) Annual generation of raw sludge volume
c) Annual volume of biosolids generation
d) Seasonal use of biosolids
e) d and e
8. Concentrations of regulated pollutants in biosolids products can be reduced by
pretreatment programs, lime treatment, or composting.
a) True
b) False
9. Materials that can be beneficially recycled or meet all applicable regulatory
requirements for biosolids include
a) Grit and screenings from municipal wastewater treatment plants
b) Municipal sewage sludge after treatment
c) Food processing sludges after treatment
d) All of the above
10. A well-designed biosolids product will
a) Be easily applied with manure spreader
b) Provide all fertilizer needs of most farm crops
c) Meet user requirements
d) Be sold for a high price
e) All of the above
11. Wet cake biosolids (approximately 10 to 17 percent solids) can be applied easily to
the land with a
a) Big gun sprinkler
b) Manure spreader
c) Tank truck with splash bar
d) None of the above
12. All biosolids products have slightly acid to slightly alkaline range in pH.
a) True
b) False
13. PC-Class B biosolids can be sold or given away to the public.
a) True
b) False
14. Trace elements in biosolids
a) Include the "heavy metals"
b) Include cadmium and copper
c) Include phosphorus and sulfur
d) a and b
e) None of the above
15. If you deliver your city's biosolids to an application contractor, you must
a) Make sure that the contractor will assume full and complete liability in case of any
problems that arise
b) Provide biosolids nitrogen analyses to the contractor
c) Notify and provide information to the contractor to comply with EPA Part 503
regulations
d) b and c
16. CPLR refers to
a) Cumulative pollutant loading rate, applicable to all Class B biosolids
b) Cumulative pollutant loading rate, applicable to biosolids that exceed the EPA Ceiling
Concentrations for pollutants
c) Classic Polluted Landfill Regulations, applicable to biosolids that do not meet
hazardous waste regulations
d) Cumulative pollutant loading rate, applicable to biosolids that exceed EPA pollutant
concentration limits but are below ceiling limits
17. There are no federal land application management requirements applicable to
Exceptional Quality biosolids.
a) True
b) False
18. The frequency of monitoring required for pollutants, pathogen densities, and vector
attraction reduction depends on the amount of biosolids produced annually by a WWTP.
a) True
b) False
19. The nine trace inorganic pollutants regulated by EPA where biosolids will be land
applied are
a) Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc
b) Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc
c) Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc
d) Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc
20. Which best describes Exceptional Quality (EQ) biosolids?
a) Biosolids must meet one of the Class A pathogen reduction options, one of the 10 vector
attraction reduction options, and trace inorganic ceiling pollutant limits.
b) Biosolids must meet one of the Class A pathogen reduction options, one of the first
eight vector attraction reduction options, and trace inorganic ceiling pollutant limits.
c) Biosolids must meet one of the Class B pathogen reduction options, one of the first
eight vector attraction reduction options, and trace inorganic PC pollutant concentration
limits.
d) Biosolids must meet one of the Class A pathogen reduction options, one of the first
eight vector attraction reduction options, and trace inorganic PC pollutant concentration
limits.
21. If EQ or PC biosolids are land applied, do records on cumulative application have
to be kept for the site?
a) Yes
b) No
22. Are both Class A and Class B biosolids, in regards to pathogens, protective of
public health and the environment, even though biosolids with Class B pathogen status
still may contain pathogens and biosolids with Class A status do not?
a) No; only Class A pathogen standards are protective of public health.
b) Yes; Class B standards plus site restrictions are as protective of public health as
Class A Standards.
c) Yes; Class B standards plus site restrictions + management practices are as protective
of public health as Class A standards.
d) None of the above
Biosolids Quality: Sampling and Testing Biosolids (Training Module 2.2)
1. How many samples per sampling event are required to document Class A pathogen
reduction?
a) 1
b) 16
c) 7
d) None of the above
2. The most critical component for biosolids sample handling is
a) Ice
b) Shipping method
c) Sample volume
d) Time of year
3. For biosolids metal analyses, water and wastewater analytical methods are preferable
to solid-waste analytical methods.
a) True
b) False
4. For a metals analysis, the laboratory should digest the amount of biosolids
equivalent to 1 gram of dry weight.
a) True
b) False
Public Information (Training Module 3)
1. You can assume that good works and honorable intentions will produce favorable public
opinions and credibility.
a) True
b) False
2. It's OK to tell the inside story to a reporter as long as it is
"off-the-record."
a) True
b) False
3. Getting angry with a media representative helps get your point across.
a) True
b) False
4. During an interview you should have a message or some image/accomplishment you want
to leave with the public.
a) True
b) False
5. If you don't know the answer, then the best policy is to give a long-winded rambling
answer that puts the media representative to sleep.
a) True
b) False
6. The best way to deal with the public is
a) Have your mother talk to them.
b) Deal with them first, no surprises.
c) Wait until there is a problem.
d) Put an ad on the radio.
7. Lack of product knowledge is the main reason the public objects to biosolids
application sites.
a) True
b) False
Transportation to Land Application (Training Module 4)
1. Which of the following is not a required part of a complete spill response plan?
a) Route description
b) Identification of sensitive areas
c) Commercial driver identification
d) Spill notification system
2. The following factors can affect your biosolids transportation route from a
biosolids production facility to a biosolids application site
a) Weight, width, and length restrictions
b) Road conditions
c) Location of favorite fast-food outlets
d) Phone calls from residents complaining about the dust and noise
e) a, b, and d
3. Having written documentation of what your load is (biosolids) and the proper methods
for spill cleanup:
a) Helps make sure that biosolids are not considered hazardous waste
b) Helps get the right equipment to the spill as soon as possible
c) Prevents you from being sued
d) a and b
4. Spill responders should be identified before a spill happens.
a) True
b) False
5. The driver should never clean up a biosolids spill.
a) True
b) False
6. After a big spill that requires a call to 911, the driver should get out of the area
as quickly as possible.
a) True
b) False
7. Shovels and sand are the tools needed for cleanup of a small spill on an impervious
surface.
a) True
b) False
8. Truck drivers should be aware that biosolids are a subtitle C hazardous waste.
a) True
b) False
9. If a driver gets biosolids on his or her hands, he/she should wash his/her hands
before eating, drinking, or smoking.
a) True
b) False
10. Sensitive areas along haul routes include scenic areas, wetlands, waterways,
bridges, and designated wildlife habitat areas.
a) True
b) False
11. What should a driver who is exposed to class B biosolids do?
a) Go to the hospital immediately.
b) Wash area of exposure prior to eating, drinking, or smoking,
c) Wear protective clothing during a spill cleanup.
d) b and c
e) a, b, and c
12. Biosolids can be defined as solids derived from domestic wastewater that has been
treated in a controlled process that totally eliminates pathogens and volatile solids.
a) True
b) False
13. An emergency contact list should include the following:
a) Responders
b) Contractors
c) Agency contacts
d) All of the above
Land Application: Nutrient Management (Training Modules 5.1 and 5.2)
Introduction and Calculation of Agronomic Rates
1. Biosolids supply lots of potassium, so farmers using biosolids can be certain that they
don't need to fertilize crops with potassium fertilizers.
a) True
b) False
2. Alkaline-stabilized biosolids are a desirable amendment for a soil with a pH of:
a) 6.0
b) 5.0
c) 8.2
d) a and c
e) a and b
3. Nitrate-nitrogen can be leached from soils if
a) Precipitation or irrigation exceeds the water holding capacity of the soil
b) Biosolids are applied
c) Commercial fertilizer is applied
d) All of the above
e) None of the above
4. Soil clays and organic matter carry a net positive charge.
a) True
b) False
5. Organic matter in soils holds two to three times its weight in water, giving plants
access to more soil water.
a) True
b) False
6. Biosolids benefit soils and crops by improving the metaphysical, biological, and
chemical properties of soils.
a) True
b) False
7. Organic matter is the "food" that soil organisms need to function.
a) True
b) False
8. The following element is not essential for plant growth
a) Nitrogen
b) Phosphorus
c) Zinc
d) Lead
e) Sulfur
9. University fertilizer guides estimate average crop nitrogen requirements for crops
produced in a given geographic area under good management.
a) True
b) False
10. After biosolids applications, the conversion of biosolids organic N to
plant-available forms in soil is:
a) Complete 6 weeks after application
b) Complete 1 year after application
c) Most rapid when biosolids are composted prior to application
d) Most rapid when biosolids are stored in a lagoon for a couple of years prior to
application
e) Most rapid when soils are warm and moist
11. NH4-N is:
a) Ammonia nitrogen
b) Ammonium nitrogen
c) Plant-available
d) Present at high concentrations in lime-stabilized biosolids
e) b and c
12. The method of biosolids stabilization (processing) does not affect the agronomic
rate.
a) True
b) False
13. Loss of ammonia-nitrogen to volatilization after land application is affected by
tillage.
a) True
b) False
14. Mineralization is the release of plant-available nitrogen from organic nitrogen.
a) True
b) False
15. Nitrogen, rather than heavy metals, usually limits biosolids land application
rates.
a) True
b) False
16. A qualified agronomist can provide a recommended nitrogen application rate that
differs from university fertilizer guides, but supporting documentation is required.
a) True
b) False
17. Information needed to calculate agronomic application rates for biosolids includes
a) Biosolids analyses for total nitrogen (TKN) and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N)
b) Total solids content of biosolids
c) Crop yield goal
d) Crop nitrogen requirement
e) All of the above
18. Other sources of nitrogen that may be important at some agricultural sites include
a) Irrigation water
b) Nitrate-nitrogen present in the soil before biosolids application
c) Nitrogen mineralized from previous biosolids or manure applications
d) All of the above
e) None of the above
19. Organic nitrogen in biosolids is estimated by subtracting nitrate-N from biosolids
total N content.
a) True
b) False
20. Tillage immediately after biosolids application reduces ammonia loss.
a) True
b) False
21. Ammonium nitrogen is
a) The same as NH4-N
b) A positively charged ion
c) Found in biosolids
d) Found in soils
e) All of the above
22. Nitrate-nitrogen is
a) The same as NO3-N
b) Positively charged
c) Found in large quantities in anaerobically digested biosolids
d) All of the above
e) None of the above
23. Ammonium nitrogen is adsorbed to clay and organic matter in soils.
a) True
b) False
Land Application: Nutrient Management (Training Module 5.3)
Soil testing
1. When sampling soils for nitrate-nitrogen, it is important to preserve the sample by
a) Freezing
b) Air drying within 24 hours
c) Delivery to the laboratory within 24 hours
d) None of the above
e) a, b, or c
2. To convert a laboratory soil sample analysis from units of mg/kg to lb/acre, you
need to know
a) Soil depth sampled
b) Approximate soil bulk density
c) Laboratory that performed the nitrate analysis
d) Number of soil cores included in a composite sample
e) a and b
3. A lab qualified to conduct soil fertility tests should be familiar with
a) EPA laboratory methods for metals
b) Soil test methods recommended by the land-grant university for determination of
nutrient availability
c) State water quality criteria
d) None of the above
4. How many subsamples are required for a representative composite soil sample?
a) 15
b) 1020
c) 50100
d) 100200
5. What is the best sampling pattern for collecting soil samples from a land
application site?
a) The shortest route
b) Parallel to the normal direction of tillage
c) Wherever you can drive with the pickup
d) Across the normal direction of tillage
6. Which of the following is not a critical item in a soil test laboratory report for
nutrient analyses?
a) Reporting in dry-weight units
b) Approved methodology for nutrient assessment
c) Units of measurement clearly listed
d) Quality assurance and control protocol
7. Equipment needed for taking a soil sample includes
a) A core sampler
b) A plastic bucket
c) Ziploc bags
d) All of the above
8. A fall (October 1) soil sample was collected from a corn field in western Oregon
(winter precipitation >20 inches per year). The site was fertilized the previous spring
with biosolids. In a 2-foot depth, you calculated that on October 1, the soil contained
300 lb nitrate-N per acre. Based on this analysis, you should
a) Apply a higher rate of biosolids next year
b) Take another soil sample for nitrate-N in March
c) Talk with the grower about his corn yields
d) Check the soil organic matter
e) Discontinue biosolids application at the site until you can determine the cause of the
high fall soil nitrate concentrations
Land Application: Site Management (Training Module 6.1)
Site suitability
1. Soils that tend to be poorly drained are better for reducing pathogens in biosolids.
a) True
b) False
2. The more permeable soils are, the better they are for biosolids application.
a) True
b) False
3. Trafficability refers to how long it takes to drive to the land application site.
a) True
b) False
4. Application of biosolids always improves infiltration and reduces soil erosion.
a) True
b) False
Land Application: Site Management (Training Module 6.2)
Biosolids application
1. Methods to measure acreage and buffers at a site include
a) A global positioning system
b) Transit and a distance meter, chain, or wheel
c) Compass and a chain or wheel
d) a, b, or c, depending on the accuracy desired
e) Hitting a golf ball with a 5-iron until you reach the property edge
2. A property measures 400,000 square feet, which is equal to
a) 19.2 acres
b) 9.2 acres
c) 92 acres
d) 9.9 acres
3. An important tool for locating biosolids application sites for documentation
purposes is
a) A compass
b) State road maps
c) NRCS soil survey aerial photos
d) None of the above
4. When calibrating biosolids application equipment, you need to measure
a) The weight of biosolids the spreader will hold
b) The acreage covered by application of a full spreader load
c) The width of the tires
d) The orientation of the sun relative to true north
e) a and b
5. To change biosolids application rates, you could
a) Increase the speed of the application equipment
b) Change the gear settings of the application equipment
c) Decrease the speed of the application equipment
d) All of the above
e) None of the above
6. You applied 18,000 lb of biosolids to an area measuring 50 by 800 feet. You applied
a) 19.6 wet tons per acre
b) 9.8 wet tons per acre
c) 1.96 wet tons per acre
d) None of the above
7. You applied 400 wet tons of biosolids containing 5 percent total solids to 10 acres.
Your application rate was approximately
a) 4 dry tons per acre
b) 9 dry tons per acre
c) 2 dry tons per acre
d) 7 dry tons per acre
8. You applied 160 dry tons of biosolids to a site with 80 acres. The biosolids
contained 5 percent total nitrogen on a dry-weight basis. You applied
a) 40 lb total N per acre
b) 200 lb total N per acre
c) 400 lb total N per acre
d) 800 lb total N per acre
9. You applied 2 dry tons per acre of biosolids containing 15,000 mg/kg ammonium-N (dry
weight basis). You applied
a) 20 lb ammonium-N per acre
b) 40 lb ammonium-N per acre
c) 60 lb ammonium-N per acre
d) 80 lb ammonium-N per acre
10. You applied 4 dry tons per acre of biosolids containing 35,000 mg/kg of organic N
on a dry-weight basis. You applied
a) 180 lb organic-N per acre
b) 220 lb organic-N per acre
c) 280 lb organic-N per acre
d) 420 lb organic-N per acre
Participant evaluation of the training workshop
1. I participated in last year's biosolids training program.
a) Yes
b) No
2. I received a completion certificate for last year's biosolids training program.
a) Yes
b) No
3. I am currently responsible for biosolids management as an employee of
a) A wastewater treatment facility
b) Government agency
c) Private company
d) None of the above
4. Biosolids management has been part of my job description for
a) Less than 2 years
b) 2 to 4 years
c) 4 to 10 years
d) More than 10 years
5. The percentage of my work time I devote to biosolids management is
a) Less than 10 percent
b) 10 to 30 percent
c) 30 to 60 percent
d) Over 60 percent
6. Overall, the 2-day training program, in my opinion,
a) Was too long
b) Was too short
c) Was about right
d) Could be condensed into 1 day
7. During the training program, I attended
a) 0 to 4 sessions
b) 5 to 8 sessions
c) 9 to 12 sessions
8. The biggest incentive for attending the biosolids training program was
a) Continuing education credits
b) The expertise of the speakers
c) Skills learned
d) Opportunity to become acquainted with a new field
9. The most valuable portion of the training was the
a) Oral presentations
b) Notebook with handout materials
c) Take-home test
d) Opportunity to ask questions of experts
10. I would recommend this training to others at my place of business
a) Yes
b) No
11. If I were to change the method of presentation for the training course, I would
allow more
a) Time for questions and answers
b) Group participation activities
c) Time to practice calculations
d) Time for technical information presentation
12. The notebook provided with the training course
a) Was extremely valuable
b) Was somewhat valuable
c) Was a waste of paper
d) Could be a lot shorter and still contain the needed information
13. If there were an additional charge to support future training workshops, I would be
willing to pay
a) Up to $15
b) $15 to $30
c) More than $30
d) Nothing
14. If the training materials were provided via other media, I would be most likely to
use
a) A World Wide Web site
b) A compact disc
c) A videotape
d) There is no substitute for a face-to-face workshop