Local Enforcement Agency Correspondence

Biosolids-Potential CIWMB Regulation

Date: December 10, 1997

To: All Local Enforcement Agencies

The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) staff are in the early stages of investigating the appropriate level of CIWMB regulation of biosolids for the protection of public health and safety and the environment. As an initial step in determining the CIWMB’s role in biosolids regulation, we are requesting the various stakeholders to provide feedback on the following questions. 

• Should the CIWMB regulate biosolids?
• Are there loopholes the CIWMB can close? Is there a niche the CIWMB can fill?
• Are biosolids adequately regulated by other agencies?
• Should the CIWMB take over regulation of biosolids from other agencies?
• Are the Federal 503 standards adequate?
• Should the CIWMB pursue 503 certification?
• Should CIWMB regulations cover only sewage sludge or should the regulations also address septic tank pumpings, water treatment sludge, industrial sludge, etc.?

The responses to the above inquiries will assist staff in focusing the initial informal workshops on the potential CIWMB regulation of biosolids. The workshops are tentatively scheduled for February 1998 in Redding, Sacramento, and Diamond Bar. After the informal workshops, Board staff would present recommendations to the Board on the CIWMB’s regulatory role and initiate the rulemaking process, should it be determined that regulations would be appropriate. These regulations would place various biosolids activities in the appropriate regulatory tier.

We request that your response to the above questions be submitted no later than January 31, 1998. We also request that any existing or draft local ordinances concerning biosolids also be forwarded. Responses should be addressed to:

Thank you for your assistance. Should you have any questions or comments concerning the above matter, please contact me at (916) 341-6318 or E-Mail: Michael.Wochnik@calrecycle.ca.gov.

Sincerely,

Original signed by:

Michael B. Wochnick, P.E.
Remediation, Closure, and Technical Services Branch
Permitting and Enforcement Division

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