Water Environment Research Foundation: Media Invited to Attend Biosolids Research Summit

7/7/2003

From: Elizabeth Striano of the Water Environment Research Foundation, 703-684-2470, ext. 7908 or estriano@werf.org

News Advisory:

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is inviting members of the media to attend the groundbreaking Biosolids Research Summit July 28-30, 2003, at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Va. Those who are interested in attending should contact Elizabeth Striano at WERF by July 21 via estriano@werf.org.

WERF and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are coordinating this summit to address research gaps identified by the National Research Council report on biosolids (http://books.nap.edu/books/0309084865/html/index.html), as well as other research needed to ensure protection of public health and the environment. The summit will focus on research needs, as opposed to policy.

Attendees will include representatives from farming communities, private citizens, research scientists specializing in chemicals and pathogen exposure, and regulators from states and municipalities working on land application issues. These individuals represent a range of views as to the appropriateness and safety of the application of biosolids -- including those who are for and against.

More than 100 interested observers also plan to attend and to provide comment. An application to attend for interested observers is available on WERF's website at http://www.werf.org/Press/Summit/Summit_regform.cfm.

Biosolids are the organic matter that remains at the end of the wastewater treatment process after being broken down by bacteria and other organisms. U.S. EPA estimates that biosolids are used as an amendment or fertilizer on roughly 0.1 percent of available agricultural land in the United States.

The summit will provide a forum for free and open exchange on how scientific research can best address concerns and interests of stakeholders pertaining to land application of treated sewage sludge/biosolids. For more, go to http://www.werf.org/press/press_release.cfm.

WERF is dedicated to advancing science and technology that addresses water quality issues as they impact water resources, the atmosphere, the land, and quality of life. In carrying out its mission, WERF funds, oversees, and publishes research targeted at addressing specific scientific issues related to wastewater treatment, including such topics as treated sewage sludge and biosolids management. WERF's biosolids research includes more than 40 projects valued at more than $18 million. WERF is appropriating 3 percent to 6 percent of its annual research budget toward new public partnering initiatives.