| What's inside Training Modules? Overall Training Outline (Training Modules 1 to 6) Regulatory Compliance (Module 1) Biosolids Quality (Modules 2.1 and 2.2) Public Information (Module 3) Transportation to Land Application (Module 4) Land Application: Nutrient Management (Modules 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3) Land Application: Site Management (Modules 6.1 and 6.2) |
This manual includes 10 modules, arranged into six competency areas. Each training module is a self-contained training package. It covers one aspect of biosolids management. A training event may cover one, several, or all of the modules (see "Organizing a Training Program"). Each module follows the same outline:
Module overview describes the major topics and concepts that will be covered by the trainer.
Training suggestions discusses how this module fits within the total curriculum and provides suggestions for an effective training.
Need-to-knows lists specific items that training participants are expected to master. Trainers should use the listed need-to-knows as a starting point. Need-to-knows should be customized to the geographic region of the training participants and the time allocated to the training session.
Within a module, the need-to-knows are grouped by "key concepts," major questions that should be addressed by the training. For most workshops, you will need to choose among the "key concepts" listed in the training modules.
Topics and activities for extended training describes ways of creating in-depth workshops in individual topic areas.
Oregon Short School Example describes how the training module was covered at pilot workshops in Oregon.
Training resources lists available resources that could supplement a speaker's presentation. In many cases, participants also may use the training resources for self-instruction. Resources listed include publications and other media such as Web pages and videos.
The six tables on the following pages provide a detailed overview of the training modules in this manual. Use the detailed outlines as the starting point for creating a coordinated training event. Key concepts marked with an "X" should be emphasized in a 1-day basic training workshop.
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Applicable regulations | What federal, state and local regulations apply to biosolids preparers and appliers? | X |
| Meeting regulatory requirements | What process should be followed to obtain approval for a land application site? | X |
| What are the components of a long-range plan for biosolids management? | X | |
| What reports must be submitted to regulatory agencies? | X |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Introduction to biosolids quality | What are biosolids? | X |
| What are the components of biosolids quality? | X | |
| What are the impacts of biosolids quality on land application options? | X | |
| Pathogen reduction | How are pathogens reduced by biosolids stabilization processes? | X |
| How is pathogen reduction addressed by EPA Part 503 rules? | X | |
| How is pathogen reduction documented? | X | |
| Vector attraction reduction | What is vector attraction reduction, and why is it important? | X |
| What options for vector attraction reduction are given in EPA Part 503 rules? | X | |
| How is vector attraction reduction documented? | X | |
| Pollutant concentration (trace element) limits | What about pollutants (trace elements) in biosolids? | X |
| How did EPA determine concentration limits and cumulative loading limits for trace elements? | ||
| How do trace element concentrations affect land application options? | X | |
| What are cumulative loading limits for trace elements, and when are they important? | X |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Biosolids sampling | What are key considerations in developing a sampling plan? | X |
| For different kinds of testing, what specific materials and procedures are required for sample collection and preservation? | ||
| Biosolids analyses | What laboratory analytical procedures should be used? | |
| How are laboratory results interpreted? |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Working with application site neighbors | What are appropriate methods for notification of application site neighbors? | X |
| What are appropriate methods for dealing with complaints? | X | |
| Communicating with the general public | What resources are available for public information on biosolids management? | X |
| What written information is needed for rapid response to public concerns? | X | |
| What preparations are needed for media response? | ||
| What proactive approaches to public information are helpful? |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts |
Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Highway regulations and driver performance | What are the rules of the road? | X |
| What performance standards are appropriate for truck drivers? | X | |
| Spill response | What actions should be taken to prepare for a biosolids spill? | X |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Nitrogen in the environment | What forms of nitrogen are found in biosolids, soils, and the environment? | |
| What nitrogen transformations are important for biosolids management? | ||
| What are the objectives of biosolids nitrogen management? | ||
| Other nutrients | What plant-available nutrients are supplied by biosolids? | |
| What is the fertilizer replacement value of biosolids? | ||
| How do biosolids affect soil quality? |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Calculation principles | What is an agronomic rate? | X |
| What data is needed to estimate an agronomic rate? | X | |
| What other sources of nitrogen besides biosolids should be included in the calculation? | ||
| Making calculations | How is the amount of plant-available N per unit of biosolids calculated? | X |
| How is the agronomic rate calculated? | X |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphass in 1-day workshop |
| Test selection and sample collection | Why monitor nutrient availability via soil testing? | X |
| How are soil samples collected? | X | |
| How are soil samples handled and preserved? | ||
| Soil testing methods | What soil analyses should the laboratory perform? | |
| What factors should be considered in choosing a laboratory? |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Soil survey information | How are soils described in a soil survey? | X |
| How are soil maps interpreted? | X | |
| Evaluating site suitability | How is site suitability for biosolids application evaluated? |
| Subtopics in Need-to-knows | Key concepts | Emphasis in 1-day workshop |
| Site management goals | What site management practices maintain soil quality and reduce erosion? | |
| What waiting periods are required by EPA between biosolids application and crop harvest? | X | |
| Evaluating site suitability | What procedures should be used in working with landowners and land managers? | X |
| How are maps used in conjunction with biosolids application? | X | |
| How are buffer zones delineated? | X | |
| How is biosolids application equipment calibrated? | X | |
| What records should be kept during biosolids application activities? | X |