State and federal rules determine which fields can qualify for biosolids programs.
To follow those rules, WLSSD has a full-service biosolids program. Those services help farmers, too.
If you’re a farmer interested in biosolids, contact us directly. It’s best to talk with a Field Green® representative at the beginning of the application process. A quick conversation can help you decide whether to proceed.
Generally, WLSSD looks for fields that are at least 20 acres in size, in order to be cost-effective.
State and federal rules also restrict which fields can be entered in the program. Generally, those rules are written to protect local water quality. Fields with steep slopes, wetlands and streams, or high groundwater tables sometimes won’t qualify for a biosolids application.
The first step of the formal enrollment process is to fill out the enrollment application forms. The forms will provide information on the location of the field and ownership.
Once the enrollment application form is received, the permit process includes:
Once a field passes through all steps, WLSSD prepares a formal permit application for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The agencies are responsible for approving biosolids applications.
Although the process to approve a field for a biosolids program is more extensive than for most farming operations, there are benefits to farmers. WLSSD does all the work required to permit a field. In addition, WLSSD will regularly test soils for fields that are active in the program, and sends those soil test results to its customers.