Title
A MOTION requesting the executive to develop and transmit an implementation plan related to biosolids, transitioning from distributing King County biosolids on farmland and forest floors to a thermal drying model.
Body
WHEREAS, King County is responsible for the management of biosolids generated through its wastewater treatment process, with a significant portion currently being distributed to farmland and forest floors, and
WHEREAS, studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, academic institutions, and environmental organizations have detected varying levels of forever chemicals, known as "PFAS," in Class B biosolids and raised concerns about the long-term environmental, public health, and sustainability implications of continuing to use land application as the primary method for managing biosolids, and
WHEREAS, thermal drying offers a more sustainable and efficient approach to biosolid management, and
WHEREAS, thermal drying of biosolids is a wastewater treatment process that uses heat to reduce the water content in biosolids, transforming them into a dry, granular product, and
WHEREAS, the King County council recognizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation to transition from land application to a thermal drying model to enhance the safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship of the county's biosolid program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The executive is requested to develop and transmit an implementation plan that addresses the plan to transition King County's biosolids management program away from distributing biosolids on farmland and forest floors and toward a thermal drying model. When developing the implementation plan, the executive is encouraged to consult relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the public, environmental experts, wastewater treatment professionals, and agricultural representatives. The implementation plan should contain the following componen...

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