Town of Townsend, MA Article VII Biosolid Land Application Regulations

[Adopted 2-27-2012]

§ 160-89 Purpose.

These regulations are adopted in the interest of and for the preservation of the public health of the citizens of the Town of Townsend.

§ 160-90 Authorization.

These regulations are adopted pursuant to MGL c. 111, § 31, as amended.

§ 160-91 Definitions.

As used in these regulations, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

BIOSOLID

The nutrient-rich organic materials resulting from the treatment of sewage sludge (the name for the solid, semisolid or liquid residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility).

LAND APPLICATION

Fertilizing or amending soil by:

A. Applying to the surface of soil by spreading, spraying, or other similar means; and/or

B. Mixing or working into the soil or beneath the surface of the soil or within the root zone of the crop by harrowing, plowing, rototilling, injecting, or other similar means.

STOCKPILE

The accumulation and/or storage of materials for future use.

§ 160-92 Applicability.

A. No person shall use biosolids for any land application.

B. No person shall stockpile biosolids.

§ 160-93 Variances.

Any request for a variance shall be submitted to the Board in writing. The Board may require the person requesting said variance to notify abutters, by registered mail, of the date, time and location of the hearing and the variance being requested.

§ 160-94 Violations and penalties.

Whoever violates these regulations shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 for each violation for which a penalty is not otherwise provided for, in any of the applicable General Laws. Fines shall be payable to the Town of Townsend.