THE IMPACT OF EU AND UK ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES ON THE FUTURE OF SLUDGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

Current and future production of sludge in the UK is estimated, and it is predicted that recycling to agricultural land and incineration (wi th energy recovery) will be the major disposal options for sludge in t he future. Environmental pressures on sludge recycling to land may lea d to restrictions on applications in terms of nitrogen content and mor e stringent limits for metals in soils. Attention to sludge quality an d the development of quality management practices in utilization or di sposal operations will help to minimize environmental concerns and fac ilitate sludge disposal to all outlets. Focal points for quality assur ance in sludge recycling operations are listed, and environmental pres sures on sludge use in agriculture are discussed in detail. Use in agr iculture involves recycling a secondary resource, and calling the reso urce 'biosolids' is part of promoting this excellent example of good e nvironmental management.