TITLE
RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR LOCAL WASTEWATER UTILITIES TO PERFORM PILOT PROJECTS FOR ADVANCED BIOSOLIDS PROCESSING

BODY
WHEREAS, wastewater utilities throughout Florida produce biosolids from sewage sludge as a necessary part of the wastewater treatment process; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County is the largest producer of wastewater biosolids in Florida; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County has contractors that haul and dispose of Class B biosolids, which is the majority of the biosolids, for land application as a soil amendment for sod farms and other limited agricultural uses mostly in Central Florida; and
WHEREAS, more stringent restrictions may be placed on Class B biosolids which will further limit their value and disposal to mostly landfills; and
WHEREAS, cost-effective processing methods to create Class A biosolids which are more safely and productively useable could improve the value of biosolids and address current concerns regarding possible contamination of water resources from biosolids uses; and
WHEREAS, wastewater utilities are well situated to work with educational and research institutions, utility associations, and wastewater professionals to support pilot projects to test the effectiveness of emerging technologies for biosolids processing; and
WHEREAS, Florida wastewater utilities have been working collaboratively with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other stakeholders to improve biosolids management throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, biosolids management is a statewide issue that will benefit from additional applied research and as the basis for statewide solutions that are cost-effective and practical,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to provide funding for pilot projects for advanced biosolids processing.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Senate President, the House Speaker, and the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. Directs the County�s state lobbyists to advocate for the legislation described in section 1 above, and authorizes and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to amend the 2020 State Legislative Package to include this item.