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What Are Biosolids? <br />Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (1 &1 edition) defines <br />biosolids as "solid organic matter recovered from a sewage treatment <br />process and used as fertilizer. " This organic matter is treated according <br />to federal and Colorado regulations to meet biosolids criteria for benefi- <br />cial use. <br />The chemical makeup and biological components of biosolids <br />depend upon the wastewater's composition. Household chemicals, oil <br />and grease, microorganisms, pesticides, and solvents are a few of the <br />pollutants that could be found in wastewater. As a result, the quality and <br />the ability to beneficially use biosolids can be affected. The best way to <br />ensure that pollutants remain at safe levels is to prevent their discharge <br />into the sewer system-something Colorado wastewater treatment <br />facilities do regularly. <br />Biosolids, a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner, have been benefi- <br />cially used since the 1920s by farmers, horticulturists, land use special- <br />ists, and the public in Colorado and throughout the United States and the <br />world. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and <br />the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have regulated and encour- <br />aged biosolids recycling since 1985 because their valuable nutrients and <br />• organic matter can improve plant growth and soil structure. <br />What Are the Most <br />Common Uses of <br />Biosolids? `' <br />In the United States, biosolids <br />can be managed in only three <br />ways. <br />1. Biosolids can be landfilled <br />2. Biosolids can be incinerated <br />. A"chiruev.dmilartoinal i-e.ipleatlerc <br />3. Biosolids can be beneficially WV 1/3,Cd ro laid appl y biosolids. <br />recycled <br />Depending on the level of treatment, biosolids can be used for: <br />• land application where crops such as corn, soybeans, grains, hay, <br />• and pasture are grown <br />• land application to non-agricultural land areas such as forests, <br />