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July 27, 2000
AMSA to Meet with NIOSH Director on Biosolids Report
AMSA is preparing to meet next week with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Director Dr. Linda Rosenstock to discuss the Association's issues and concerns with a NIOSH “Hazard Identification Report” regarding Class B biosolids and worker health. NIOSH routinely issues these reports to alert specific groups of workers about potential workplace hazards. Although the report has not yet been released, a July 13 USA Today article summarized and made some misrepresentations of a draft version of the report. In a letter requesting the meeting with NIOSH officials, AMSA stressed its commitment to worker safety and outlined its concerns with NIOSH's actions. “We have serious concerns regarding the review process NIOSH has undertaken with respect to this Hazard Identification Report. We do not understand why NIOSH has not solicited review outside government agencies, despite the potential impacts the report may have on the wastewater and biosolids reuse industry,” the letter said. AMSA also recommended that “NIOSH transmit their findings to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directly in the form of a letter” so that “EPA could then include the health and safety of Class B biosolids workers into their research agenda.” Although NIOSH has not yet provided AMSA with a copy of its report, AMSA understands that the report is based upon only two municipal Class B biosolids management programs, deals only with pathogens and worker safety, and does not incorporate a comprehensive biosolids database.AMSA members are strongly encouraged to quickly respond to the biosolids worker health and safety procedures survey accompanying this FaxAlert by Tuesday, August 1. The information provided by members will be useful in characterizing the safety procedures followed by AMSA members. Fax responses to the Attention of AMSA Director of Government Affairs Mark Hoeke, 202/833-4657
National Biosolids Partnership Launches New Web Site
This week, the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) launched its web site, www.biosolids.org. The Web site is designed to serve as a central clearinghouse for communication of biosolids-related information. Numerous links have been established along with navigational tools to simplify access to this information. The web site also includes information on the NBP's environmental management system for biosolids initiative. Other features include links to regional biosolids organizations, trade groups, state and federal regulatory agencies, technical documents, a calendar of events; and opportunities for technical information exchange. All inquiries pertaining to the NBP web page should be e-mailed directly to Sam Hadeed at shadeed@wef.org or call 703/684-2418.EPA Issues Nutrient Guidance for Rivers and Streams
This week EPA published a notice of availability of its nutrient criteria technical guidance manual for rivers and streams in the Federal Register. This document provides state water quality managers and others with guidance on how to develop numeric nutrient criteria for rivers and streams. Under EPA's 1998 Nutrient Strategy states are required to develop water quality criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus by 2003. EPA is requesting comments on the document by September 25. AMSA's Nutrient Workgroup is leading a review of the document. The guidance is available online athttp://www.EPA.gov/OST/standards/nutrient.cfml.