Ellen Z. Harrison, Director
Cornell Waste Management Institute
March 22, 2000
House Committee on Science Hearing on EPA and Sludge Rules


Desired Outcomes of Hearing
The following describes the outcomes which might flow from this hearing which would address many of the concerns raised in my testimony and the written materials I have submitted.
1. Survey sludges in the U.S.
2. Expand monitoring of land applied sludges
3. Rework the risk assessment for land application
4. Revise the currently proposed dioxin standards for land applied sludges
5. Leave states free to adopt more stringent rules
6. Investigate alleged sludge damage incidents credibly
7. Require labeling of all sludges and sludge products
8. Prohibit the distribution of non-"EQ" sludge products to individuals

9. Within EPA, separate science/risk assessment function; regulatory function and; funding of WWTP function

The present arrangement allows:

10. Sponsor independent research on critical issues
11. Keep track of where sludge is applied
Until we know more about potential impacts, locations where sludge is applied in bulk should be tracked. This is needed for possible investigation of problems.
12. Create incentives and programs to encourage improved sludge quality

Pretreatment programs, which apply to a limited set of dischargers, have been successful in improving sludge quality in the past. There are additional contaminants and dischargers which should be addressed to continue improvements in sludge quality.
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