7.3 What are possible access restrictions for areas in which biosolids are applied?

Access restrictions for areas where biosolids are applied aim to protect public health, prevent environmental contamination, and ensure safe management practices. These restrictions may include fencing, signage, and locked gates to limit entry to authorized personnel only. Buffer zones may be established around application sites. Personnel involved in the application of biosolids shall be properly trained and made aware of biosolids hazards.

The Environmental Protection Agency established the following specific restrictions:

• For harvesting crops:
  • Food crops, feed crops, and fibre crops, whose edible parts do not touch the surface of the soil, shall not be harvested until 30 days after biosolids application.
  • Food crops with harvested parts that touch the biosolids/soil mixture and are totally above ground shall not be harvested until 14 months after the application of biosolids.
  • Food crops with harvested parts below the land surface where biosolids remain on the land surface for 4 months or longer before incorporation into the soil, shall not be harvested until 20 months after biosolids application.
  • Food crops with harvested parts below the land surface where biosolids remain on the land surface for less than 4 months prior to incorporation shall not be harvested until 38 months after biosolids application.
  • Turf grown on land where biosolids are applied shall not be harvested until 1 year after application of the biosolids when the harvested turf is placed on either land with a high potential for public exposure or a lawn unless specified otherwise by the permitting authority.
• For the grazing of animals:
  • Animals shall graze on land until 30 days after application of biosolids to the land.
• For public contact:
  • Access to land with a high potential for public exposure, such as a park or ballfield, is restricted for 1 year after biosolids application. Examples of restricted access include posting no trespassing signs and fencing.
  • Access to land with a low potential for public exposure (e.g., private farmland) is restricted for 30 days after biosolids application. An example of restricted access is remoteness.

For further information, please click on the Materials tab at the top of the page.