Three-Day Biosolids Research Summit Underway

7/29/2003

From: Elizabeth Striano of WERF, 703-684-2470, ext. 7908 e-mail: estriano@werf.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va., JULY 29 -- "I like to view this assembly not as adversaries with conflicting agendas, but as a group of citizens with a common issue and a shared goal," said James Stahl, Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) board vice-chair, in his welcoming remarks on Monday, July 28, the first day of the three-day Biosolids Research Summit.

"We're hoping that through this summit, we will not only address the National Research Council's concerns regarding biosolids and other health issues related to biosolids, but also to further the process to meaningfully involve communities and other interested stakeholders in the decision-making processes," said Stahl, referring to NRC's 2002 report on biosolids.

At the summit, underway at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town in Alexandria, Va., participants discussed research needs and what makes the results of that research understandable and acceptable to the public, as well as the scientific community. During the second day, participants will further expand on the work they did the first day.

"Credibility in the eyes of scientists is not the same as credibility to the public," said Ellen Harrison, Cornell Waste Management Institute, presenter and summit steering committee member. "Particularly in the area of public health research, citizens who believe they are getting sick from sludge need to be involved in research to enhance credibility."

The day began with opening remarks and a welcome from Kevin Teichman, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who provided a brief explanation of how this summit will fit into their efforts. Other presenters during the first day included:

-- Dr. Charles Haas, Drexel University, who discussed the human health and pathogen chapters of the NRC report;

-- Dr. Frederick Pohland, University of Pittsburgh, who provided an overview of the NRC study process and over-arching findings as well a summary of integrating chemical and pathogen risk;

-- Dr. Nicholas Basta, Ohio State University, program committee member, who summarized the state of existing research and potential research outside the NRC scope;

-- Dr. Robert Spear, University of California, Berkeley, who spoke on risk assessment, biosolids/sludge, and surveillance; and

-- Dr. Daniel Woltering, WERF Director of Research, who summarized WERF's completed and ongoing biosolids-related research to date.

WERF and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are sponsoring this summit to provide a forum to discuss the scientific research needed to address the concerns and interests regarding land application of Class A and/or Class B treated sewage sludge/biosolids. Summit participants are discussing research gaps NRC identified (http://books.nap.edu/books/0309084865/html/index.html) and other research needed to ensure public health and environmental protection.

Attendees include representatives from farming communities, private citizens, research scientists specializing in chemicals and pathogen exposure, physicians, and regulators from states and localities working on land application issues. These individuals represent a range of views as to the appropriateness and safety of biosolids application. More than 100 interested observers are also attending the summit and providing comment.

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.