The Solano County Biosolids Ordinance Past Present and

The Solano County Biosolids Ordinance: Past, Present, and Future Presented by: Natalie Sierra, SFPUC Caroline Quinn, DDSD June 2, 2008 BACWA Biosolids Workshop

Outline • • History of the Solano County Ordinance Outreach Efforts, 2003 -2008 2007 Ordinance Renewal Looking into the future and the role of the regional facility

Solano County Land Application

History of Solano County Ordinance • 1995: Class B Land Application Ordinance adopted – Very reasonable ordinance fully supported by staff – Not much land application 1995 -2000 • 2000: More agencies begin or expand land application programs in Solano County • 2002: Ordinance Amended – Added restrictions on spreading below specified wind speeds and outside of buffer area

History (Continued) • 2002: – Increased land application; citizens petition Board of Supervisors to ban land application – Ban considered, but vote postponed until completion of series of workshops in early 2003 • 2003: – Change in POTW approach to maximize public visibility through one-on-one meetings, plant tours, educational workshops, and participation in Board of Supervisors meetings – Success! Board voted in March 2003 to preserve land application of Class B biosolids (3 to 1 vote)

2003 Solano County Ordinance • Limited hours of biosolids delivery and spreading • No deliveries/application on weekends and holidays • Vehicle wash-down and speed limits • Complaint line • Per acre fee for oversight and research • 2007 sunset

Key Message We are committed to a safe biosolids land application program and to a program that minimizes nuisances for the residents of Solano County. We believe that biosolids land application benefits Solano County. It enhances the productivity of poor soils thereby helping to ensure that agriculture remains a viable segment of the County’s economy.

Agency Outreach, 2003 -2008 • Routine Participation in Stakeholder Meetings by SFPUC, EBMUD, FSSD, USD, and Synagro • Agency Participation/Assistance in Research Projects • Agency Comments at Board • Routine Meetings with Supervisors • “Open Door” - Regular Communication/Support to Solano County staff

Stakeholders Group • County staff, POTWs, Synagro, concerned citizens, Supervisors’ representatives • Fair and open forum to discuss biosolids issues • Build trust between all parties – emphasis on POTWs protection of public health improved regulator’s confidence in us • Identify key community concerns – tie to research needs

2007 – Solano County Ordinance Renewal • By 2012, all agencies who land apply Class B must divert a portion of their biosolids to a Class A or biosolids-to-energy process • Agencies must report annually to the supervisors on progress towards the diversion goal

2007 Ordinance – Role of Regional Response • BACWA coordinated the reporting requirement for all agencies • Regional Facility: Began as a BACWA effort, now 6 agencies working towards a common, regional solution to meet the ordinance requirements

Looking into the Future • • • Continue current outreach practices Progress on a regional facility Expanded research and analysis, where appropriate • Broader education on issues through BACWA • Encourage involvement of more agencies

Questions?