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Impact on Consumers |
Land application of biosolids costs wastewater treatment plants less than half of the next available biosolids management alternative. Because approximately 30 percent of a wastewater treatment plant's costs are for biosolids management, savings realized through beneficial use are passed on to the consumer. Even those who do not pay sewer bills pay indirectly when visiting towns and cities served by such municipalities through local taxes and purchase prices.
The land application of biosolids saves Virginia farmers approximately 4.2 million dollars each year. These savings are realized through fertilizer cost savings and improved crop growth and yield. Supporting the small local farmers helps ensure affordable food prices for everyone.
Finally,
quality of life in Virginia is maintained through the beneficial use of
biosolids by helping to preserve rapidly vanishing farmland and open space
through recycling in an environmentally sound and safe manner.
