Biosolids Management Program

Natural Selection Farms biosolids soil management program provides the interface between farmers, regulators, municipalities, and the public.  With over 200,000 acres permitted for biosolids application to irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural ground, we currently ensure beneficial use for the biosolids of over 23 Washington State municipalities.  NSF has an immaculate record of regulatory compliance on all projects: We rely on best accepted nutrient management guides, certified labs (YCHD, DOE, EPA) for testing and application recommendations, continuous research, and the in-house expertise we have developed over the passed 20+ years.

Our Biosolids Management Program Encompasses:

The Permit Process

Arlie explains the soil sampling process

NSF will coordinate and ensure compliance of the permitting process.  This includes completion of a SEPA, the General Application Permit and the Site Specific Land Application Plans

See Application Info for the detailed overview of our process to get biosolids to your soils.

Soil Testing

Prior to application, NSF takes multiple-depth soil samples from the proposed application fields to be analyzed by approved labs.

We use these background analytical reports to define the soil and plant nutrient requirements and to identify any preexisting heavy metal concentrations.

Application rate of 50lb of Nitrogen per Acre

Development of a Nutrient Management Application Program

Agronomic application rates customized to your crop and soil nutrient requirements are carefully calculated and evaluated against the best accepted nutrient management guides,  then re-evaluated and approved by the Department of Ecology prior to application.

Groundwater sampling and monitoring

In the 20+ years Natural Selection Farms has been operating, we have never had a case in which biosolids have affected water quality, yet we still diligently maintain a monitoring program that inspects wells and surface water near our application sites for fecal coliform, entercoccus, nitrates and heavy metals.

Data tracking and management

NSF data management system is extremely involved and tracks the product from the municipality to its final destination.  We monitor the fields: date, time, material analysis, field background nutrient information, the application rate, the crop type from season to season, any residual nutrients from the previous season, production comparison etc.   Annual Reports (Weekly or monthly by request) are available.

Regulatory Compliance & Communication

We continue to foster healthy, working relationships with our local health district, Washington State Department of Ecology, and the Environmental Protection Agency

Services & Spreading Equipment

We can haul and spread both liquid and cake material, provide hauling or work with  your haulers.  Additionally, we operate an on-site maintenance facility so resolve repairs immediately.

Public Outreach

• Public Meetings: view the Daily Sun News article about our Public meeting Sept. 2, 2010 Biosolids A “Win-Win for cities, farmers
• Media Contacts and Coverage
• Environmental Sensitivity: Awareness, Leadership and Cooperation
• Annual Reports
• Community Support
• Political Leadership
• Tours

On-going research for beneficial reuse

NSF sets and maintains industry standards.  We participate in industry conferences and conventions and we are involved at industry meetings.  For affiliations and memberships, see Research.

Environmental Commitment & Monitoring

Because Natural Selection Farms is so sincerely committed to the beneficial use of biosolids and to the  sustainability of agriculture, we perform with the highest degree environmental awareness and community and neighbor sensitivity, and we utilize the best available technology to track and monitor the biosolids and the soils to which we apply them.

A few examples of the measures we take:

• Communication: Prior to application, we ensure that each of  our spreaders are made aware of the agronomic rate of each field and we alert  to pay acute attention to all buffer zones outlined in our application maps
• Sample soils to monitor nutrient concentrations and microbial activity
• Monitor area wells, irrigation ditches and the Yakima River
• Participate in the voluntary nation-wide “Environmental Management System” (EMS) program designed to assure a quality biosolids program for municipalities