EPAFinal Rule
Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge [SF-99-A1-1]
EnvironmentAgricultureHealthcare
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Summary
This EPA regulation sets safety standards for how sewage sludge (the solid waste left over from treating wastewater) can be used or disposed of. The rule protects public health and the environment by controlling where this material can go—such as being spread on farmland as fertilizer or sent to landfills—and what contaminants it can contain.
Key Points
- 1Sewage sludge can be reused as fertilizer on farms and in landscaping, but only if it meets strict safety standards to prevent harmful chemicals and germs from contaminating soil and groundwater
- 2The rule sets limits on dangerous substances like heavy metals and pathogens that can be in sludge before it's considered safe for land application
- 3Wastewater treatment plants and waste management companies must follow specific procedures for testing, monitoring, and documenting that their sludge meets EPA standards
- 4Facilities that don't comply with these standards face penalties, and people can be harmed if contaminated sludge is improperly disposed of near homes or farms
- 5The regulation applies nationwide to all sewage treatment plants and sludge disposal operations, affecting how communities manage one of their largest waste streams
Key Dates
Published
May 28, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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