NBMA - Membership Benefits

Member Benefits

Membership in the NBMA provides agencies and companies with
the following information, resources and opportunities:

Technical Expertise
Faculty at the University of Washington, Washington State University and other universities in the region are available to answer technical questions, such as providing advice on biosolids management alternatives, calculating biosolids application rates, monitoring sites and establishing and managing demonstration sites. They also provide assistance on interpreting the often complex federal, state and local regulations. (click HERE for more information)

In addition, NBMA staff and university representatives can advise members on public involvement strategies and review informational materials produced by member agencies.

Information Hotline
Members can call on the NBMA for answers to specific questions that relate to biosolids and wastewater issues.

Agencies also receive the monthly NBMA newsletter, Biosolids Bulletin, and annual reports that keep members informed of biosolids-related issues and NBMA events and activities. Furthermore, members are promptly informed of all biosolids issues, regulations or concerns that impact the region.

World Wide Web
Biosolids information is readily available by accessing the NBMA's website designed to provide easy access to information about biosolids. It also provides an opportunity to network with other users from across the country. The NBMA's website offers: timely information on the NBMA and its activities, a calendar of events, technical resources and links to related sites.

Regulation Development & Review
The NBMA keeps its members informed of regulatory developments at the federal, state and local levels and assures that all members have a voice in reviewing regulations that affect their biosolids management programs. NBMA members receive copies of regulations and guidance documents that assist with regulatory compliance.

Library
Member agencies have access to resources in the NBMA Technical Library which contains more than 1500 references, including scientific and professional journals, books, reports and conference proceedings. NBMA members can request a literature search on specific topics and check out materials or do their own online Library search on this website.

Education Program / Community Assistance
Representatives from the Northwest Biosolids Management Association are available upon request to make presentations to special interest groups, societies, city councils, schools, conservation districts and other interested parties.

Opportunities for Continued Education

Annual Biosolids Management Conference
The NBMA's annual three-day conference features presentations on technical, operational and public issues in biosolids management and regulations. A poster session and manufacturer's exposition provide additional information on scientific research and biosolids-related products and services.

NBMA General Membership Meetings
Member agencies and companies are invited to attend these informational meetings. Educational themes center on biosolids management challenges and opportunities. These meetings are often combined with tours of biosolids recycling operations or treatment technologies.

Biosolids Research & Demonstration Program

Demonstration Sites
The NBMA has established demonstration sites throughout the Pacific Northwest. These sites demonstrate biosolids recycling options, including biosolids use in agriculture, silviculture, soil improvement/reclamation, composting and growing hybrid poplars. Group, individual and self-guided tours are available.

Biosolids Research Program
Research activities performed by the region's universities provide valuable information on the effects of biosolids land application. Scientific data obtained through these studies will increase our understanding of biosolids issues, enhancing future opportunities for biosolids recycling. Members also receive a copy of Literature Reviews on the Environmental Effects of Biosolids Management, prepared by the University of Washington.

By joining the NBMA as Subscriber Members,
private companies also have the following opportunities for
promotion of their products and services:

Conference Exposition
Subscribers may display equipment and exhibits at the NBMA's annual conference in September at no cost, exempting them from the customary display fee.

Annual Report Promotions
Subscribers may submit a one page announcement about their firm's projects, equipment and services for inclusion in the subscriber section of the NBMA Annual Report. This publication is distributed to over 400 professionals in the biosolids field.

Presentations
Companies can give presentations on their products and services at NBMA general meetings, special committee meetings and workshops.

Free Promotional Space on the NBMA's Website
The NBMA's website is accessed by users from all over the world. The NBMA allows its subscribers to post 3-4 sentence descriptions of their companies on the NBMA site free of charge and provides e-mail addresses and links to subscriber company websites.