On March 31, 2004, the EPA Region 9 approved ADEQ's Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management program for implementation in Arizona, except in Indian Country. As of March 31, 2004, ADEQ serves as the sewage sludge program and enforcement authority in Arizona. The EPA maintains an oversight role.

ADEQ's Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program implements section 503 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1345) and requires that any person applying, generating or transporting biosolids/sewage sludge in Arizona must register that activity with the department.

If ADEQ determines that the site restrictions and management practices will not protect public health or the environment, ADEQ may require an AZPDES permit.

The biosolids program is regulated under 18 A.A.C. 9, Article 10 and includes requirements for:

• the treatment, transportation, land application, and management of biosolids;
• septage pumping services;
• Class I management facilities, other major wastewater treatment plants and treatment works treating domestic sewage; and
• management practices and application of biosolids to reclamation sites.

Incineration of biosolids is prohibited in Arizona.

In addition to complying with the requirements in 40 CFR 503, Subpart C, the owner or operator of a biosolids surface disposal site must apply for an Aquifer Protection Permit. Other facilities that must apply for an APP include biosolids composting operations and biosolids processing facilities.

If ADEQ determines that the site restrictions and management practices for land application will not protect public health or the environment, ADEQ may impose case-by-case requirements or require an AZPDES permit.

Persons using biosolids for land application must register the activity with ADEQ.

• To Apply Biosolids in Arizona
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Forms and Guidance
• Contacts

See also:
  Arizona Department of Health Services list of laboratories certified to test for biosolids

To Apply Biosolids in Arizona

Any person interested in applying biosolids in Arizona must complete a Biosolids Land Application and/or Supplemental Request Form. (This includes land application, reclamation sites (ex: mining reclamation sites), biosolids composting and biosolids processing facilities. In addition to the information on the form, the applicator must submit proof of public notice of the potential use of the site for land application of biosolids. (A.A.C. R18-9-1004(C)(5)(g).)

You will need to receive registration notification before applying biosolids on any land application sites.

• Biosolids Land Application and Supplemental Request Form

Submit the completed form to:

Biosolids Coordinator
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Water Quality Compliance Section
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program Submission

On Nov. 26, 2002, ADEQ sent its Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program submission to EPA Region 9 for review and approval. ADEQ revised the Attorney General Statement and the Program Description in October 2003. EPA determined that ADEQ's submission was complete and published notice to this effect in the Federal Register on Nov. 21, 2003. EPA solicited comments on the notice until Jan. 5, 2004. EPA received only one comment on the proposed action.

On March 31, 2004, EPA approved the Arizona Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program.

• Letter from the Governor
• Program description for biosolids/sewage sludge management
• Attorney General's statement regarding authorities for Biosolids/sewage sludge management
• MOA regarding the Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program
• Statutory authority at A.R.S. 49-255 et seq. and the rules at A.A.C. R18-9-1001 et seq. (effective Jan. 5, 2003) for the Biosolids/Sewage Sludge Management Program

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