Title: Nuisance or nimby? Land application of biosolids

Authors: Jesse J. Richardson

Addresses: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA

Abstract: The land application of biosolids generates much controversy, particularly among those residing near the land application site. However, land application is a generally accepted agricultural practice. The United States Environmental Protection Agency supports proper land application of biosolids, but much scientific uncertainty still exists. In the United States, local, state and federal officials struggle over the question of which level of government should regulate biosolids. The present state of regulation in the United States is summarized. Finally, the paper analyzes land application of biosolids against traditional nuisance standards and discusses whether land application of biosolids is a nuisance or not.

Keywords: biosolids; land application; agricultural practice; The United States; USA; regulation; nuisance standards.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2007.053988

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2007 Vol.9 No.2, pp.185 - 199

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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