Wasatch Front wastewater agencies seek tens of thousands of acres for long‑term biosolids land application

Public wastewater agencies representing much of the Wasatch Front informed the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee that they need a 50‑ to 100‑year plan for biosolids disposal as private land that now receives biosolids is being developed.

Phil Peck, general manager of Central Valley Water Reclamation, said the coalition of 17 treatment plants serves about 2.75 million Utah residents and produces roughly 42,000 dry metric tons of biosolids per year; production is projected to rise about 30% as service areas expand. Biosolids are treated to reduce pathogens and then classified (unclassified, Class B, Class A) with Class A usable without restriction and Class B requiring applied‑use restrictions.

Peck said land application on agricultural or rangeland recycles nutrients and organic carbon to support soil health at low cost; landfilling is available but far more expensive (five to six times higher tipping fees) and consumes landfill volume. The industry is looking for 50,000–70,000 acres of non‑developable, vegetated land within roughly 75 miles (one‑way haul preferable) where biosolids can be applied at agronomic rates without runoff risk.

Committee members raised questions about PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and nutrient impacts. Witnesses said Utah biosolids have measured PFAS concentrations at low parts‑per‑billion levels, well below thresholds used by some other states, and that application planning is tailored to soil nitrogen levels and crop needs to avoid nitrate risk. The group asked for state assistance in identifying appropriate lands — including consideration of wildlife management areas — and suggested state land agencies and federal land managers could be partners in a long‑term solution.

No formal action was taken; wastewater agencies said they will continue outreach to state land managers and other partners.