Spring is rapidly approaching. I can see it the distance, as if it were a truck with big glaring lights. That means one thing: fertilizer. Many people fertilize their lawn in early and late spring. It is like a lawn buffet. If you are in Michigan, the next time you use fertilizer, it may be from a local landfill – simply reconfigured as biosolids.
Lawmakers push through bills and pass laws all the time without us knowing about them. As per Michiganradio.org, “A law signed last week will allow Michigan’s sewage treatment plant to sell or give away what’s called “exceptional quality,” or EQ biosolids.” You may be wondering, what are biosolids?
Biosolids are “nutrient rich organic materials derived from wastewater solids (sewage sludge) that have been stabilized through processing” (www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/glossary.html). Biosolids are safe for land use, often as fertilizer, as officials have tested the materials – including decontaminating. These materials are now available for public use.
Rina Miller writes, “The new Michigan regulations eliminate a layer of bureaucracy. It means these biosolids could be used in public parks, athletic fields, cemeteries, plant nurseries, and on your lawn and garden.” Do not worry though; the biosolids will go through even more rigorous testing than before. Such testing will remove any metals, pathogens, and other harmful debris from the biosolids.
Some people may ask themselves, “Is the world becoming a landfill?” In a way, yes, but this is a good thing. Michigan, it seems, is becoming more environmentally conscious. Lawns across the state will benefit greatly.
For more information on the law, you can read Miller’s article here.
