Biosolids are a by-product of wastewater treatment. They contain useful amounts of organic matter and nutrients. When applied to farmland, they can help reduce fertiliser costs and improve structure and fertility of soils.
Reusing biosolids
The Tasmanian Biosolids Reuse Guidelines have been substantially reviewed and updated, and the new 2020 publication is now available. These guidelines provide essential information on how to classify and manage biosolids, and how to reuse them safely.
The 2020 Guidelines update the list of contaminants to be tested in order to classify biosolids; and they provide improved clarification on treatment, management and approval requirements associated with the sustainable reuse of sewage sludge and biosolids.
Tasmanian Biosolids Reuse Guidelines 2020
(4Mb)
The Approved Management Method for Biosolids Reuse has been revised to incorporate changes in the
Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations 2020 and the Tasmanian Biosolids Reuse Guidelines 2020.
The Approved Management Method for Biosolids Reuse – July 2020 provides the minimum legal requirements for classification and reuse of biosolids in Tasmania.
AMM for the Reuse of Biosolids - July 2020
(163Kb)
Managing contaminated biosolids
Information Bulletin 105 Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil (IB105) may apply to the management of soil-like (non-liquid) biosolids when they contain elevated levels of contaminants. For instance, IB105 may provide guidance in determining how biosolids should be managed if
they do not meet contaminant Grade A or B, or
if a contaminant not listed in the Guidelines is likely to be present at elevated levels in the biosolid.
Classification and Management of Contaminated Soil (IB105)
Sewage Sludge Management Plans
Some Permits and Environment Protection Notices contain conditions that require wastewater managers to submit a Sewage Sludge Management Plan. The
Sewage Sludge Management Plan Guidelines, August 2020 outline the information that must be provided to the EPA to satisfy these conditions.
Sewage Sludge Management Plan Guidelines 2020 (142Kb)
ANZBP
The Tasmanian EPA is a member of the Australian New Zealand Biosolids Partnership (ANZBP), whose role is to support the sustainable management of biosolids in Australia and New Zealand. This group is managed by the Australian Water Association and includes biosolids producers, processors, transporters, users, regulators and research institutions. The public area of the
ANZBP website has more information on biosolids.