A new report commissioned by Fidra and produced by eftec, was recently published: “Economic risk of contaminated biosolids applications”. The report compares current UK biosolids land application against alternative sludge treatment options including incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification.
Key findings include:
- Long-term contaminant accumulation remains a key concern and soil should be managed as a long-term national asset
- Contaminant mixtures will increase long-term risks
- Current decision-making does not fully account for environmental and societal costs
- Further evidence is needed, but uncertainty should not delay action
- Alternative treatment technologies warrant greater consideration
- Recovery of strategic resources could improve environmental outcomes
Links
Report and summary: https://fidra.org.uk/download/eftec-economic-risk-contaminated-sludge/
Blog: https://fidra.org.uk/news/eftec-research-summary/
Fidra is an SCIO and Scottish registered Charity with a mission to achieve solutions to environmental issues using the best available science working in collaboration with governments, industry and the public.