HARFORD COUNTY BIOSOLIDS RECYCLING
Oldest Form of Recycling
 The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) and Harford County Government make beneficial
use of BIOSOLIDS - a bi-product of wastewater treatment. Biosolids are residuals found in wastewater that is biologically treated to produce an organic fertilizer.
Statistics from the Water Environment Federation indicate that 40-50 percent of the 8-9 million tons of biosolids produced each year by municipal wastewater
treatment facilities, is recycled. After extensive research, the Environmental Protection Agency developed stringent
guidelines known as 503 Regs. Providing comfort to citizens that biosolids application is safe and that it enhances the environment.
Because Biosolids contain valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and smaller amounts of potassium, sulfur, magnesium,
calcium, copper and zinc, Harford County utilizes it on farmland. Fields lacking these substances are enhanced with biosolids application to promote plant growth, increase
production, and reduce dependence on inorganic fertilizers that can pollute waterways with runoff. As a result of Harford County's participation in clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay,
the concentration of nutrients discharged from our wastewater plants will be reduced. Therefore, we will produce more nutrient-rich biosolids, which may be reused by the agricultural community.
Participation
All residents of Harford County contribute to the BIOSOLIDS operation, not just those on public sewer service. Wastewater from
industries and private septic tanks eventually ends up at the Sod Run or Joppatowne Wastewater facility via septic haulers. Thus, every resident shares responsibility to
protect the environment for future generations. Recycling via biosolids application on farmland is the perfect way!
Informational brochures are available below in Adobe Acrobat format to assist County
residents in learning and understanding that biosolids application is Mother Nature's
best recycling plan.
For more information, contact Wayne Ludwig, Chief of Operations at Sod
Run Wastewater Treatment Plant at 410-273-5617; FAX 410-273-5618.
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