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Biosolids Recycling Regulations and Codes of Practice
 The Sludge
(Use in Agriculture) Regulations and Code of Practice for
Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge
These Regulations and associated Code of Practice ensure that when
biosolids are used in agriculture there is no conflict with good
agricultural practice, the long term viability of agricultural
activities are maintained, public nuisance and water pollution are
avoided and human, animal or plant health is not put at risk.
There are various limits that must be adhered to in respect of
background levels of metals in soil and any additions of metals to the
soil. There are also requirements to analyse soil and biosolids.
The current regulations and code of practice are in the process of
being revised. Some significant changes are the inclusion of the ADAS
Safe Sludge Matrix, the HACCP process in terms of proving pathogen
kill within biosolids, and pre-notification periods in relation to
reporting recycling activities to the Environment Agency and local
Environmental Health Officers.
 DEFRA Codes of Good
Agricultural Practice
The Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for Air, Soil and Water
all make reference to biosolids recycling. They refer to application
rates in terms of nutrient requirements of crops allowing for existing
background levels of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in the soil.
More often than not the determining factor in biosolids applications
rates is the maximum of 250 kg of total nitrogen per ha. They also
recommend taking regular analysis of soil nutrients.
NVZ Regulations
The NVZ Regulations affect applications of biosolids in terms of
maximum nitrogen rates and also determine periods when biosolids with
high available N (liquid digested) cannot be applied.
Anglian Water Regulations
and Codes of Practice.
To meet the requirements of the latest regulations and codes of
practice, (including the revised Sludge Regulations and Codes of
Practice) in 2002 Anglian Water introduced a new biosolids database
known as Gemini 2.
As well as containing the various regulatory limits, Gemini 2 holds
all the soils and biosolids sample results. The system allows Anglian
Water’s biosolids team to model trial applications in advance of any
actual recycling taking place.
The advantage of this activity is to ensure that all regulations and
codes of practice are adhered to, before issuing instructions by way
of permits, to haulage and spreading contractors.
Gemini 2 also contains a digital mapping system along with reporting
modules and a nutrient management module. Therefore users can generate
maps, farmer notification reports and nutrient management plans. These
reports are essential in assisting the farmer in understanding the
total and available nutrients that have been applied to his fields.
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