SEWAGE SLUDGE

    We recommend for farmland biosolids application, biosolids should be required to meet the federal Class A standard. ’07

    We support continued research into sludge use to assure proper application rates and practices that protect farmland. '04

    We urge that additional research, specifically a 20-year study, be done on the long-term effects of the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural land, the farmers' potential liability and potential impacts to water quality. Also, we recommend that sludge should not be imported into Maryland from other states until this research has been completed.

    We recommend the Maryland Department of the Environment and the applicator be held accountable and liable for any environmental or crop damage caused by the application of Maryland Department of Environment tested and approved sludge by a licensed applicator. '96

    We recommend that random samples of sludge be collected in the field, and a composite test be taken and recorded each day.’07

    We recommend heavy fines for those applicators that apply sludge over and above the recommended rates. This is to be strictly enforced.’07

    We recommend that a nutrient management plan be required before sewage sludge is applied and that the plan is followed and routinely updated. '04

    Fields laid fallow for summer sludge application should be required to have a cover crop planted to stabilize the soil and use the applied nutrients. ’05