DENALI June 2023 Copperhill Biosolids Project Frequently Asked Questions What are biosolids? Every day, wastewater treatment facilties across the country treat bilions of gallons of wastewater generated by homes and businesses. The treatment process produces liquid and sold residues (sewage sludge) that must be managed in an environmentally responsible manner. Although the terms "biosolids" and “sewage sludge” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. With further treatment, sewage sludge can yield biosolids, which is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “nutrient-ich organic materials resulting from the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facilty.. that can be recycled and applied as fertlizer to improve and maintain productive soi's and stimulate plant growth.” What are the different classes of biosolids? The EPA categorizes biosolids as Class A Exceptional Quality, Class A, and Class B. The difference between these types depends on the quality ofthe material, and the distinction helps ensure safe use. Class A Exceptional Quality are the highest quality of biosolids and approved for use in gardens that grow food. Class A biosolids are the next highest-level quality. They can be applied to land safely and are popular among home gardeners as compost or fertlizer. Class B biosolids are lower quality than Class A but are still approved as a compost or scl improvement for farmiand with permits and regular monitoring. Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids meet the ‘most stringent pollutant, pathogen, and vector attraction reduction requirements. Class A and Class 8 meet less stringent requirements than Class A Exceptional Quality. Is it safe to use biosolids? ‘Yes. Biosolids are among the most carefully controlled amendments in agricuiture. They are also one of the most in-demand and effective because they are rich in both nutrients and organic matter. Biosolids have been applied to farms and mine reclamation sites for decades, and numerous studies have shown the benefits and safety of this practice. To be used on land, biosolids must meet federal and state requirements. Properly managed biosolids do not pollute surface water or groundwater. Regulations prohibit biosolids entering rivers, streams, irrigation ditches, lakes and ponds. Biosolids application rates and site management practices are designed to prevent the leaching of nutrients to groundwater. What are some of the benefits of biosolids land application? The benefits of biosolids for both soil and vegetation are numerous and well recognized. Biosolids provide primary nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) and secondary nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zine, Also, the use of biosolids increases crop yields and maintains nutrients in the root zone. Unlike chemical fertlizers, biosolids provide nitrogen that is released slowly over the growing season. Land application of biosolids can also offer net greenhouse gas benefits by storing carbon to the soll, fertilizing vegetation that captures carbon, and avoiding methane emissions that would be caused by placing biosolids in tandflls. Why not just landfill? Communities across the country are experiencing higher costs for landfill space at the same time that additional space is becoming harder to obtain due to zoning and siting restrictions. When biosolids are pulled from theappari Bsa Project Fetmanay Asked estore Page 204 waste stream and turned into economically beneficial products, it extends the life of current landfills and reduces the need for expansion, Waste not, want not. What is the history of biosolids at Copperhill Industries? ‘The Copperhil Industries property that lies along Highway 68 near Copperhil, TN is part of the Copper Basin Mining District Federal Superfund site. From the late 1800s until the 1980s, mining, processing, chemical manufacturing, and waste disposal occurred within the Copper Basin Mining District Superfund site. Mining and processing operations left the site barren with no vegetation or topsoil. Beginning in 2016, Coppertill Industries began reclaiming portions of the site. Reclaiming the land was particularly challenging because of low soil pH ‘and a lack of organic matter, which plants need to survive. After rectamation efforts with chemical fertilizer failed, Class B biosolids from Moccasin Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant Chattanooga were land applied to portions ofthe site in 2018, Reclamation with the Class B biosolids was very successful, however, reclamation with Class B biosolids stopped in late 2022. A very small amount of Class B biosolids remain on the property and are planned to be land applied in June 2023. What is the current use of biosolids at Copperhill Industries? In spring 2023, Denali Water Systems proposed a pilot project to produce Class A biosolids. Under the pilot project, biosolids are treated and processed in a partially enclosed building on the Copperhill Industries property to create Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids. The Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids are then used to establish vegetation and reclaim the site. Because these biosolids contain lime, the material also raises the pH, which makes metals in the soil less mobile. This reduces metals pollution in the water draining through the reclamation areas. Is copper still mined at Copperhill Industries? No, copper mining operations ceased when the mine closed in 1988. What is being done about odors? Every step of Denali’s operation is designed to reduce odor. These steps include sourcing the material, transportation, treatment with lime, and land application. Sourcing ‘The biosolids are sourced from wastewater treatment plants that use a thorough treatment process. This material has much less odor than the biosolids previously sourced from Chattanooga. There are no Chattanooga biosolids being delivered to Coppertil Transportation Denaii and ts trucking partners are aware of odor concerns. They have designed routes so that trucks containing biosolids do not travel through busy tourist or commercial areas. ‘Treatment with ime Upon delivery to Copperhill Industries property, biosolids are treated with lime. This process is carefully controlled and moritored so that the material achieves Class A Exceptional Quality status. The lime causes a chemical reaction that may release a small amount of ammonia for a short period of time in the immediate Processing area. After this period, the biosolids have litle to no odor. \.and application Copperil Industries applies the Class A Exceptional Qualty biosolids to locations that are far from neighboring ‘residents so that any odors that may be present are controlled.— Ccopperil Blosoids Project Frequent Asked Questions Page Sofé What about contaminants? State and federal regulations on biosolids address trace metals, pathogens, vectors (lke flies), and nutrient levels. Some states have also begun to monitor and regulate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalky! substances) in biosolids. Biosolids contain low levels of metals (often lower than animal manure). Trace amounts of PFAS (measured in the parts per trilion) are found in biosolids. Levels of PFAS found in biosolids are decreasing as these chemicals are discontinued in products like non-stick cookware, fast-food packaging, and carpets. Where can residents go for more resources on biosolids? United States Environmental Protection Agency: httos:/Awww.epa.gov/biosolids ‘A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule: htlos:/Awmw.epa.gov/biosolids/plain-enalish-auide-epa-part-603-biosolids-rule ‘Tennessee Biosolids Management Rules: httos://oublications.tnsosfiles.com/rules 100-40/0400-40.ntm Who can | contact for more information? For more information about biosolids at Copperhill Industries, contact Denali at media@denaliwater.com,