biosolids: regulation and policy, julie nahrgang

Water Environment Association of Texas

When Biosolids Hit the Fan of Public Perception

TWCAOctober 13, 2016

Julie NahrgangWEAT/TACWA


The Reality of Biosolids Land Application

Biosolids are the nutrient rich residuals when treated wastewater is separated from solids. It is a valuable, safe, highly regulated, and sought after resource that benefits farmers and the environment by building better soils and improving water retention.


Public Perception of Biosolids

Victoria, Texas – September 27, 2016


• Don’t Sludge Bastrop

• Sludge = Toxic Waste

• “Hazardous Toxic sewage sludge”

• Sludge = Poison

• “I know what my next move will be and I WILL bring as much media and legislation hurt as I can to the TCEQ on this.”

• “Most of you are part of the problem. When will you be part of the solution? - Bob Crockett

• “I am very disappointed in how this is being handled and how the unsuspecting residents are being subjected to your Contractors sloppy handling of a product that is so controversial and disgusting.” - CM

• “Put your sewage on Ellis County and I will make sure you and Ft Worth know where I am from.” – Bob Crockett

Misconceptions , Conspiracy Theories, and Threats: An Examination of Language


Confusing the Issues • Victoria Permit – Grit and Grease

experimental use authorization blending grit and grease. WQ0004666000

• Domestic Septage – Administrative process to register, not a permitting process


Cast of Characters Lord Harrington

Residents Rebuff Royal Felon’s FecesBy Matt Smith/[email protected] Jul 2, 2016


Cast of Characters (continued)

• Bob Crockett – A Native Texan

• Sam Bowie - Citizens trying to protect Citizens

• Dr Honour


Uptick in Requests for Public Meetings and Hearings:

The Summertime Sludge Panic of 2016


The Summertime Sludge Panic of 2016Withdrawn Permit Applications

WQ0005197000 Denali Water Solutions LLC (Class B Land Application)Wallace Farm in Bastrop CountyApplication withdrawn on 7/13/1617 Hearing Requests55 Public Meeting Requests122 Protestants WQ0005199000 Denali Water Solutions LLC (Class B Land Application)Banks Ranch in Fayette CountyApplication withdrawn on 6/17/1688 Hearing Requests11 Public Meeting Requests68 Protestants WQ0005191000 Denali Water Solutions LLC (Class B Land Application)Fluharty Farms in Milam CountyApplication withdrawn on 3/25/161 Hearing Request3 Public Meeting Requests 16 Protestants


The Summertime Sludge Panic of 2016 (continued)

Current Protested Applications:

WQ0004666000 Beneficial Land Management LLC (Class B Land Application)Arenosa Creek Ranch in Victoria County7 Hearing Requests3 Public Meeting Requests Public Meeting Held on 1/21/16Contested Case Hearing (Preliminary) Scheduled 9/27/16186 Protestants WQ0005189000 Sprint Waste Services (Sewage Sludge Dewatering Unit)West Bellfort Processing Facility in Fort Bend County148 Hearing Requests97 Public Meeting Requests296 Protestants


Current Protested Applications:

WQ0005190000 Synagro of Texas-CDR, Inc. (Class B Land Application)J1 Ranch in Henderson County1 Hearing Request1 Public Meeting Request1 Protestant 711018 Reitz Environmental Services LLC (Domestic Septage Land Application)Johnson CountyPublic Meeting Held 7/19/1636 Protestants 711020 Harrington Environmental Services LLC (Domestic Septage Land Application)Johnson CountyPublic Meeting Held 6/30/1678 Protestants

The Summertime Sludge Panic of 2016 (continued)


Previous Legislative Action

84th Legislative Session

BILLS DID NOT PASS OUT OF HOUSE ENVIRONMENTAL REGS COMMITTEE

HB 2248 Relating to the land application of sewage sludge in certain counties. Wray, John

HB 2460 seeks to give counties in the North Texas area the ability to regulate land application of biosolids. Wray, John

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2248

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Authors.aspx?LegSess=84R&Bill=HB2460


83rd Legislative Session

HB 3255 Relating to the sale of soil products by a political subdivision. Kacal,

HB 2996: Relating to the regulation by the TCEQ of the land application of Class B sludge. King, Tracy

HB 2997: Relating to the regulation by the TCEQ of the land application of Class B sludge. King, Tracy

Previous Legislative Action (continued)

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/HB03255I.pdf#navpanes=0

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB2996

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB2997


Improving Public Perception/Developing Public Trust: What Can We Do? (WERF Steps)

• Cultural shift – takes time• Education needed– resource, not waste

• Engage the Media• Hard work to build trust• Honesty and openness, a must• Start early• Listen to stakeholders• Continue to work on communications and

relationships


Improving Public Perception/Developing Public Trust: What Can We Do? (WERF Steps)

• Pay attention to risk communication• Emphasize benefits• Build trust with fairness and high quality of

information• Adopt inclusive decision-making processes• Build long-term relationships• Commitment for public outreach, dialogue and

participation


Messaging to Build Trust

Who carries the message?• Scientists and Researchers• Farmers and Agricultural groups• Local Community groups• Utilities• Federal and state regulatory agencies


Other Resources

Northwest Biosolids- Biosolids: Understanding the Risk

What’s the Risk? Putting the Risk of Biosolids into Perspective

- Study done by Loop, King County, University of Washington, and Kenndy/Jenks


Questions or Comments

Julie NahrgangWater Environment Association of Texas (WEAT)Texas Association of Clean Water Agencies (TACWA)[email protected]