Development and preliminary testing of sustainable development indicators for biosolids management at regional/local level in Ireland

Abstract

Management of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) is becoming a significant issue for Local Authorities throughout Ireland, especially with the progressive implementation of the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC of 1991. The future of biosolids management will depend on what direction Local Authorities take in the immediate future. This direction will be determined by quantity and quality of treated sewage sludge, types of sludge treatment available/selected and recycling/disposal outlets that will be acceptable to most stakeholders and most importantly, pose no danger to human health. The aim of this thesis is to develop and conduct a preliminary test of sustainable development indicators (SDIs) for managing biosolids at the regional/local level. Accordingly, a set of 22 SDIs (comprising five headline, seven core and ten complementary indicators) has been developed using a stakeholder-based approach. These indicators are arranged according to the Driving force-Pressure-State-lmpact-Response framework and address all domains of biosolids management namely, production, quality, cost, legislation/regulation, training/research and recycling/disposal. A preliminary test of the indicators was carried out in County Sligo to verify their suitability and usefulness. A key finding of the study is that the SDIs are relatively effective and can make significant contributions to the sustainable management of biosolids. The stakeholder participatory approach adopted in the study meant that the indicator development process involved participants from varied background, knowledge, experience and perspective. Such a ‘mix’ is necessary in order to capture the multi-faceted criteria of sustainable biosolids management. The methodology and analysis of the survey results were designed to ensure an unbiased, critical, and fair input by the participating stakeholders. The thesis concludes by synthesising the findings and making a number of recommendations and suggestions for further research. These propositions, if implemented, could lead to the refinement of the SDIs and generation of new ones.