PCC Community Markets logo PCC Community Markets

Opposition to Streamlining WA State Biosolids Permitting

January 24, 2020

PCC submitted a letter to the Washington State Department of Ecology opposing a proposal to streamline the permitting process for biosolid applications.

“Biosolids” refers to treated sewage sludge, which is then applied to cropland as a fertilizer or soil amendment. There are significant concerns over the potential introduction of toxins and pathogens into soil and aquatic ecosystems from biosolid application.

PCC opposes the application of biosolids in general and opposes streamlining or simplifying the permitting process for biosolid facilities. If the department continues to grant permits for application of biosolids, PCC would encourage a review of each permit request to verify that the specific use would not impact vulnerable species or ecosystems.

Read PCC’s full letter to the department of ecology here.

Related reading

PCC comments for organic integrity

Comments on use of produced water from fracking on organic crops; carrageenan, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, bisphenols and packaged foods, silicon dioxide; squid and squid byproducts; and “organic” salmon on U.S. markets without USDA criteria.

Read On

Letter to Rep. Larsen: BiOAg program at WSU

Thank you to Rep. Rick Larsen; re: efforts to secure funding for the Organic and Biologically Intensive Agriculture (BiOAg) program at WSU.

Read On

Support for Continuous Improvement in Organic

PCC has publicly endorsed the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards (CIAO) Act, developed by the Organic Trade Association in collaboration with members of congress.

Read On