Bill would limit bulk biosolids spread on farmland

Bulk biosolids applications would have to stay within the rate suited to plant needs, and applications that amount to dumping would be prohibited. The rate limit covers bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost applied to land. The disposal ban covers bulk application of biosolids, including Class AA biosolids. Applications at or below the rate must mainly aim to reuse the biosolids, based on how and where they are applied. An application is disposal when nutrients are not reasonably expected to be taken up during the growing season and the biosolids are discarded at the site. If the proposal had taken effect, these rules would have started November 1, 2026.

Owners or operators of covered sites would have to keep application records for at least five years and provide them to the department upon request. The duty covers owners or operators of sites where bulk biosolids fertilizer or compost is applied to agricultural land. The records must cover product type, amounts, site, dates, and the people or organizations responsible for transport and application. For products with no more than 25 percent moisture that stay in stable pieces or granules, site operators would be exempt; distributors would instead keep and provide specified records for five years. If the proposal had taken effect, the recordkeeping rules would have started November 1, 2026.

Certain Class AA products could not be sold or distributed for farmland use, or used on farmland, unless they meet stated requirements. These requirements cover Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products intended for agricultural land application. Fertilizer products would have to meet applicable state fertilizer requirements before marketing or distribution for agricultural use. Compost that makes no claim about plant nutrients or growth benefits would have to be certified under the U.S. Composting Council's testing program before marketing or distribution for agricultural use. Before agricultural use, Class AA biosolids would have to meet the fertilizer requirements or the stated compost specifications. If the proposal had taken effect, these requirements would have started November 1, 2026.

The department would start rulemaking, and the University of Florida's agricultural institute would publish recommended application rates. The department's rules would address bulk distribution and marketing of Class AA biosolids. The university's recommendations would cover beneficial reuse of bulk Class AA fertilizer and compost. The university's recommendations would draw on research and guidance and address product traits, growing conditions, research gaps, and field practices. If the proposal had taken effect, the department would start rulemaking by November 1, 2026. The university's first recommendations would be due by November 1, 2027, followed by new recommendations every two years.