Guide to Field Storage of Biosolids

Successful biosolids land application programs should have provisions to deal with daily biosolids production in the event biosolids cannot be land applied immediately. This contingency planning generally includes storage as well as other back-up options, such as landfill disposal, incineration or alternative treatment and use, including composting, heat drying and advanced alkaline stabilization. Storage is necessary during inclement weather when land application sites are not accessible and during winter months when land application to snow covered and frozen soil is prohibited or restricted. Storage also may be needed to accommodate seasonal restrictions on land availability due to crop rotations or equipment availability. For small generators, storage allows accumulation of enough material to efficiently complete land application in a single spreading operation. Well-planned and managed storage options not only provide operational flexibility at the treatment facility, but they also can improve the agronomic, environmental, and public acceptance aspects of biosolids use. The focus of this publication is on management practices for field storage of biosolids prior to land application, as distinguished from land application and spreading. The publication stresses recommended management practices for three critical control points: the WWTP, the transportation system, and the field storage site.