NAS Plans Review of Biosolids Risks

Sept. 1, 2000
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has proposed a study to review the science behind the federal government's laws on applying biosolids to land.

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has proposed a study to review the science behind the federal government's laws on applying biosolids to land.

"Some researchers have questioned the scientific basis and the data used in establishing the EPA's sludge standards, noting data gaps, nonprotective policy choices, and more stringent standards set by other countries," states the NAS proposal, recently transmitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "The Clean Water Act requires EPA to periodically reassess the scientific basis of the Part 503 rule, including the option of adding pollutants to Part 503. For these reasons, a re-evaluation of the Part 503 rule is warranted."

The $531,000, 18-month project would review new information on biosolids land application and evaluate EPA's methods of determining risk from chemicals and pathogens in biosolids. All aspects of the Part 503 risk assessment will be examined, including the identification of pollutants, exposure pathways, default assumptions, and others.

The NAS proposal comes shortly after a July 28 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report recommending that worker exposure to Class B biosolids should be minimized through engineering controls and work practices; personal protective equipment should be provided and required for workers; hand-washing stations should be provided for workers; heavy equipment should be cleaned of mud and residuals after each use; and workers should receive periodic training on standard hygiene practices.

WEF wrote to NIOSH before and after the report's release to question the depth of research and development process used to write the report. The NIOSH report is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/hid10.html.

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