Biosolids are a nutrient rich organic material derived from the production of recycled water, they can be used as:

  • Fertiliser
  • Soil conditioner
  • Topsoil substitute for landfill 
  • Composted with green waste
  • Structural material in road construction.

Beneficial Reuse
In working towards a sustainable future and reducing its environmental footprint, Western Water has a target of 100% beneficial reuse of biosolids within the next five years. Biosolids resuse has increased over the past few years: 

 

Biosolids Reuse
­
Year Dry tonnes produced % Reused
­
2004/05 2010 40%
2005/06 2498 52%
2006/07 2228 143%
2007/08 2225 132%

                                                                                                                                              

Today and Tomorrow
Biosolids produced at Sunbury Recycled Water Plant are transported to Pinegro at Deer Park and composted along with municipal green waste to be sold as a domestic compost to wholesale nurseries. This is also used by Boral Landfill for rehabilitation at their landfill site.

Western Water, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Pinegro and Boral signed an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), outlining the specific responsibilities of stakeholders, which ensures that production of biosolids and associated products meet quality requirements.

Through partnerships with local farmers and communities, Western Water is aiming to continue to develop a sustainable industry and high quality biosolids products.

Regulations and Guidelines
Biosolids managment and reuse in Victoria is closely regulated by the: 

  • Environment Protection Act 1970
  • Health Act 1958
  • Industrial Waste Management Policy 2000 (Prescribed Industrial Waste) 
  • Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Fertilisers) Regulations 1995.

The EPA Guidelines for Environmental Management: Biosolids Land Application, are aimed at ensuring that the application of biosolids to land is managed in a way that complies with all the relevant Acts, Statutory Policies and Regulations. Biosolids produced at each of Western Water's Recycled Water Plants are classified in accordance with EPA Guidelines.

More Information
Visit the EPA website: www.epa.vic.gov.au