Biosolids are created through the transformation of liquid and solid matter in wastewater. The transformation of what goes down the shower and sink drains, the disposal and toilets in private homes, businesses and restaurants involves physical, chemical and biological processes. The transformation removes conventional pollutants. TRA produces a nutrient-rich biosolids product that exceeds Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations, production and testing and monitoring standards.

The biosolids produced by TRA’s Central Regional Wastewater System plant are land applied with specially designed spreading equipment (no dumping occurs) for local farmers as fertilizer. Agricultural uses of biosolids must meet strict quality criteria and application rates and have been shown to produce significant improvements in crop growth and yield. Land application of biosolids serves as an environmentally responsible alternative or substitute for more expensive chemical fertilizers. In addition, land application of biosolids improves soil quality, and returns nutrients back to the soil in an endlessly renewable cycle that dramatically reduces TRA's carbon footprint while reducing the need for additional landfills.

  

Additional Resources

https://www.epa.gov/biosolids
https://www.tceq.texas.gov/
http://www.wef.org/
http://www.highqualitybiosolids.com/ 
The future of biosolids at TRA
Biosolids production infographic