|
|
|
|
|
|
AMSA Achieves Progress on Major Biosolids Issues
AMSA has successfully responded to several emerging biosolids issues, gaining significant progress in ensuring that sound science is applied in all aspects of biosolids management and regulation. In the last month, AMSA has been instrumental in ensuring that the interests of publicly owned treatment works are represented in the following areas: the recently released National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) safety recommendations for Class B biosolids workers; the initial stages of a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) review human health and environmental standards for biosolids; and the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (ISCORS).
AMSA Meets with NIOSH
Representatives of AMSA and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) met with National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) officials in order to share several important issues arising from the issuance of NIOSH's Hazard ID for biosolids workers.NIOSH issued the Hazard ID titled, “Workers Exposed to Class B Biosolids During and After Field Application,” on July 28 (NIOSH Publication No. 2000-158). The four-page report provides recommendations that are intended to provide guidance to employers and workers to minimize occupational risks from Class B biosolids through the use of engineering controls, personal protective equipment and worker training.
AMSA Expresses Grave Concerns
AMSA expressed its many concerns with the Hazard ID's development process, methodology, recommendations and other circumstances surrounding the report's release. AMSA also informed NIOSH of the serious impacts the Hazard ID has already had upon public wastewater treatment agencies, citing recent moves by legislators and other interests who used the report to support a ban on the land-application of Class B biosolids.AMSA and WEF noted the flaws inherent in NIOSH's methodology, which ignored industry experts, relied upon a hazard review of one facility and a review of selected literature on which to base the Hazard ID. AMSA outlined problems with NIOSH's broad recommendations for engineering controls on storage, soil incorporation and air-conditioned cabs for heavy equipment, ll of which fail to adequately account for site-specific factors.
AMSA Seeks Changes to Report
Responding to AMSA's concerns in an August 14 letter, NIOSH Chief of Staff Marilyn Fingerhut expressed interest in working with AMSA to “identify specific issues” in which “there may be misinterpretation leading to health and safety risks to workers.” Fingerhut also noted that the July 13 USA Today article "incorrectly relates the NIOSH Hazard ID #10 . . . to environmental issues surrounding biosolids and incorrectly suggests that the NIOSH publication evaluates the EPA biosolids program." Based upon specific comments from AMSA, NIOSH may modify the existing Hazard ID to better reflect industry practices.AMSA members were notified of the NIOSH report by a July 28 Special FaxAlert, and the Hazard ID was distributed to the membership via Regulatory Alert 00-18. A copy of the document is also available on the NIOSH web page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/hidlist.cfml.
National Academy of Sciences to Study Biosolids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) review of the science and methodology behind the Agency's biosolids land application standards. NIOSH has agreed to work with EPA and the NAS on the review. EPA indicates that the NAS review is designed to ensure that such standards are based on the best and most current science possible and that biosolids management policies are responsive to that science.ISCORS, AMSA, NBP Discuss Ongoing Activities
ISCORS met with AMSA and National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) representatives this week to discuss progress in parallel modeling efforts for estimating the potential incremental increases in radiological exposure to the public and others from biosolids handling and disposal and reuse. ISCORS has developed a draft technical support document (TSD) to support its radiological dose model, which can be found at www.epa.gov/radiation/tenorm/whatare.cfm. AMSA members will be requested to comment on the ISCORS draft TSD in Regulatory Alert 00-17.AMSA Plays Crucial Role in Biosolids Policy
In each of these areas AMSA will continue its active participatio in order to safeguard POTWs' interests. AMSA will also play an essential role by continuing to collect and furnish data and information on biosolids quality and management practices. The Association also stands ready to offer its considerable expertise in biosolids management to review and improve developments in biosolids policy.