How is biosolids use and production regulated?

Biosolids are usually regulated by the State Environment Protection Authority (EPA) or equivalent using the guidelines that apply in that State or Territory, or adopting those used in other States or national Guidelines.
The primary objective of regulation is to maximise the sustainable use of biosolids ensuring a high level of protection for both the environment and public health. The various, State, Territory and national Guidelines document the correct procedures for the production and management of biosolids so that the quality of the biosolids produced is matched with the purpose for which they may be used, minimising any associated risks.

The overarching document in Australia is produced under the auspices of the National Water Quality Management Strategy, although frequently the NSW Guidelines are used as a reference.

In New Zealand biosolids safe application to land is carried out under the auspices of Territorial Authorities as per the provisions of Regional Plans. To facilitate the safe application of Biosolids to land, the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and New Zealand Water & Wastes Association (NZWWA) have developed guidelines for the application of Biosolids to land. These Guidelines are used by Territorial Authorities when evaluating applications for consent to apply biosolids to land on a case-by-case basis.

Details of the guidelines and other relevant documents are accessible on the Guidelines page of this website.