Summer 2003

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a preliminary strategy for expanding and strengthening sewage sludge (biosolids) research and programs on April 9, 2003. Under the strategy, which responds to recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council, EPA will undertake the following activities:

• update the science underlying the rule by conducting research in priority areas;
• strengthen the sewage sludge program by incorporating results of research, both within and outside EPA; and
• continue ongoing efforts to increase partnerships and communication with the public and other stakeholders.

EPA is also announcing preliminary results of its review of existing sewage sludge regulations as required by the Clean Water Act, which is required every two years. The public is invited to provide comments until July 8, 2003. Following this public comment period, the agency will publish, in early 2004, its final strategies for expanding and strengthening biosolids research and programs and specific pollutants for possible regulation. For more information and a copy of the notice go to: www.epa.gov/waterscience/biosolids/

(Reprinted from USEPA's - Water News, April 2003.)