Research and Demonstration Committee

Purpose
The Research and Demonstration Committee monitors research being conducted on biosolids issues and alerts members to new developments contained in research findings. The Committee funds new research through the University of Washington, Washington State University, University of British Columbia, Oregon State University and the University of Idaho. The Committee designs biosolids demonstration sites that are available for public tours. Committee members visit potential application sites at the request of NBMA members to advise on environmental, public health, community relations and operations questions.

University Research
University representatives conduct research on biosolids management and its effects on the environment. They work closely with NBMA members to encourage technically-based regulations, develop guidelines for biosolids applications, research how different types of biosolids and biosolids technologies affect land application in different environments and help identify suitable sites for biosolids recycling. Scientists have generated Literature Reviews on the Environmental Effects of Biosolids Management and maintain a Technical Resource Center and regional biosolids demonstration sites, where the effects of biosolids land application can be seen. Scientists also give presentations and answer technical questions from members and the public.

The University of British Columbia has been involved in conducting biosolids research and extension for close to a decade. Active research continues in forestry and agriculture fertilization, rangeland improvement, composting and mine and roadway reclamation/remediation. The University of British Columbia works closely with other NBMA universities and members in ongoing cooperative programs.

OregonState University and the University of Idaho are also becoming active in NBMA participation. Oregon State University has developing a training program for biosolids managers, haulers and appliers and continues research on nutrient management. The University of Idaho has performed a survey of biosolids and septage use in Idaho.

The Research and Demonstration Committee has both ongoing university research projects and more specific efforts that the Committee coordinates. Meetings often involve university reports as well as project and event planning. Recent tasks and events that this Committee has undertaken include:

• Posted new Biosolids Recycling Story kiosk panels at our university demonstration sites (available in our Library)
• Released NBMA Biosolids Recycling Research Notes (available in our Library)
• Published "Research Short Stories" in the NBMA's monthly publication, the Biosolids Bulletin (available in our Library)
• Hosted a Pathogens in Biosolids and Bioaerosols from Land Applied Biosolids Workshop - agenda
• Holding committee meetings
• Formed Interest Groups to address research issues related to Forested Watersheds, Poplars, Rangeland, Soil Quality and Nitrogen
• Developed fact sheets on research and demonstration projects
• Co-sponsored an international forest symposium: The Forest Alternative: Principles and Practice of Residuals Use, July 14-16, 1997, at the University of Washington
• Organized two Research Days (1994 and 1996) discussing the state of biosolids research in the Pacific Northwest
• Revised and updated the NBMA's Literature Reviews on the Environmental Effects of Biosolids Management
• Established a Nitrogen Summit group comprised of regional university staff to develop nitrogen management guidelines for the Pacific Northwest
• Initiated an interest group concept to focus on specific research and demonstration topics and obtain diverse input
• Organized two Poplar Days (1994 and 1995) to share information on the use of biosolids as a soil amendment for hybrid poplar production