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March 20, 1998
AMSA Requests $1M in Appropriations for the National Biosolids Partnership
On March 17, AMSA sought the assistance of its members in requesting Congress to appropriate $1 million to support the National Biosolids Partnership. Those AMSA members with Representatives on House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for EPA appropriations have been asked to contact their Representatives before March 27, 1998 to request that a $1 million appropriation for the Partnership be included in the 1999 budget for EPA.
In 1997, EPA invited AMSA and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) to form the National Biosolids Partnership to promote the beneficial use and public acceptance of biosolids. EPA has made $250,000 available in 1998 to serve as the foundation for the Partnership. Some of the projects slated for 1998 include: development of a code of management practices manual; updating a national communications plan; development of pretreatment success stories; and set-up of an information clearing house to provide multi-media information on CD-ROM.
To fully implement its mission, however, an additional $1 million is required. The additional funds would support a media training and relations project for POTW public affairs professionals; grass roots training; development of technical manuals and guidance; and other initiatives designed to promote public acceptance of biosolids.
The Partnership's Steering Committee, comprised of a broad group of stakeholders, will meet on May 20, immediately following AMSA's upcoming National Policy Forum & 28th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
National Biosolids Partnership to Develop Model Training and Certificate Program for SSI Operators
Yesterday, AMSA, WEF, and EPA met with representatives of the state of Maryland's Department of Environmental Resources to discuss the development of a model training and certification program for sewage sludge incinerator (SSI) operators. Such a program would be required by the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standard for SSIs under Section 129 of the Clean Air Act, which is currently being developed by EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards. At this time, Maryland has the nation's only training and certification program; it is being examined by AMSA and WEF as a potential model program to be developed by the National Biosolids Partnership.
At yesterday's meeting, EPA indicated that it wishes to continue its collaboration with AMSA on the Section 129 rulemaking for SSIs. An early May meeting with AMSA and its Incineration Workgroup leadership is planned to discuss the status of EPA's workplan activities.
Ø AMSA learned this week that EPA has decided to withdraw its proposed rule for maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standard POTWs under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. In light of recent evidence provided by AMSA, EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards has said it will resubmit a new rule at a later time. (See AMSA FaxAlert 2-27-98 for more information on AMSA's recent negotiations with EPA on this issue.)