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The MPCA encourages the beneficial reuse of biosolids in a manner that protects human health and the environment. The treatment of domestic wastewater can generate biosolids. The treatment of these solids produces a nutrient-rich organic material that farmers can use. Various wastewater treatment processes stabilize and disinfect the solids, destroying harmful bacteria and reducing odors. The result is a humus-like organic matter, dry powder, pellets, slurry, or liquid that bear little resemblance to the untreated solids from which they were derived. Biosolid recycling reduces both the amount of waste going to landfills and incinerators and the total use of petroleum-based chemical fertilizers.

Biosolids that will be applied to land must meet strict regulations and quality standards. State and federal rules govern the use and disposal of biosolids, set limits for contaminants such as metals, and require pathogen and vector attraction reduction, site and crop harvesting restrictions, and record keeping and reporting.

Who needs a biosolids permit?

  • Municipalities with mechanical treatment
  • Large subsurface treatment systems that are publicly owned
  • A large subsurface treatment system that has a mechanical component like denitrification

Domestic wastewater facilities that clean out their ponds or decommission ponds must follow:

Need a permit? Fill out these forms:

Staying in compliance

Forms and reporting requirements you'll need to maintain compliance with biosolids regulations.

Site application forms (submit prior to using site)

State biosolids annual report (due Dec. 31 each year for activities during the cropping year: Sept. 1 to Aug. 31)

EPA annual reports (due by Feb. 19 each year)

Any facility described below must submit reports:

  • Class 1 management facilities (EPA Title 40, Chapter I, Subchapter O, Part 501.2) 
  • Facilities with a design flow rate of greater than 1 million gallons per day
  • Publicly owned treatment works that serve a population of 10,000 people or more

EPA will accept Minnesota permittee’s information on a cropping year. Change the calendar at the beginning of the form to reflect this. Change your dry tons to metric dry tons. Submit both the state report and the EPA report.

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