Public outreach if a key part of our biosolids program. Each contract WSSC procures for land application has the following requirement for public outreach:

PUBLIC OUTREACH: The Contractor will be responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate public outreach program to help maintain program viability. Key to this program is educational outreach and research geared toward developing greater farmer and public acceptance of the Biosolids product. Goals of the program will be increased awareness of the products value (both environmental and economic) to the farming community and public. The program’s objective is a minimization of complaints related to this Biosolids Management Program. The Contractor will also be responsible for developing and implementing a sign program at the final usage site. The purpose of this sign program is to clearly identify the purpose of the biosolids project, its benefits, and list a series of contact phone numbers, see attachment.

The program will include both research and public demonstration opportunities at a minimum, and should include the following:

• Pro-Beneficial Web Page
  
  
• Biosolids Brochure, see home page for example
  
  
• Public Meeting Commitment
  
  
• Plan for Conference attendance
  
  
• Professional organization membership
  
  
• Field Display Plan
  
  
• Cooperative Research with Land Grant Colleges
  
  
• Complaint Response and Communication Program
  
  
• Submit to the Project Coordinator an Annual Report delineating the Contractor’s efforts of the activities in this section (report to be submitted within 15 days of the expiration date of each term

Each application site is clearly posted with a large sign advertising the work and appropriate contacts. Work in the field is inspected daily by a third party to assure best management practices. These inspectors are equipped with public outreach information. These same inspectors utilize a feedback form from the farmers to assure their satisfaction. WSSC also participates in many biosolids public meetings throughout the region.

If your community/organization would like a briefing or have questions concerning biosolids, Steve Gerwin or call at 301-206-7448