Biosolids are the by-product of treated, stabilized and disinfected water that may have originated from household wastewater, industrial wastewater or stormwater runoff.
A commitment to environmental sustainability includes the desire to capture and reuse all the natural and human wastes generated at a site - including suspended solids and sludge product from the treatment of wastewater and stormwater effluent.
The Biosolids Management Network's scope is to develop and promote increased research and technical information on biosolids so as to assist in achieving better acceptance of its reuse in the community.
AWA members who are interested in solutions to the disposal and reuse of water and wastewater sludges particularly those from sewage treatment are encouraged to join the biosolids specialist network. In this network, your volunteer committee members work to improve the profile and understanding of biosolids in the community. More directly from the member viewpoint, they organize and deliver, with assistance from the AWA events managers, a highly successful biennial specialist conference where the latest research, technologies and developments in the management of biosolids are highlighted with keynote speakers of international prominence.
Other member services for this specialist network include: a quarterly newsletter (put together by the committee and distributed to members), technical meetings (held at the local branch level), new publication updates from AWA bookshop, and access to master classes and other professional skills development opportunities. The Network also runs a biannual conference - the AWA Biosolids Specialty Conference.
The Beneficial use of BiosolidsThe beneficial use of biosolids is defined as the use of biosolids in circumstances and situations where “risks to human health, animal health, the environment and quality of agricultural products are within acceptable levels.”
Beneficial use of biosolids involves implementing and maintaining quality control processes and public health & safety measures. Biosolids are used for many tasks from use as fertilizers for household lawns to alternative energy to supplement the public power grid. Traditionally the spectrum of use options are based on budget, volumes produced, consistency of the waste stream, environmental and social imperatives. The options range from those undertaken on-site where the biosolids are produced or treated, to those off-site involving management of a treated stabilised product.
AWA would like to encourage any member interested in biosolids - and especially its use, to join this network.
Want to join the Biosolids Specialist Network?
If you or a colleague would like to keep updated on the latest
developments and events in Biosolids management, then join us! To join this
network you must be an AWA member. Click here to amend your networks within your member profile, or here to find out about AWA membership.
NETWORK NEWS
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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To search for future events, visit the AWA Event Calendar.
Got a suggestion for an event? Send an email to Kim Wuyts
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