Runoff from biosolids can contain nutrients, fecal coliforms, organic matter, trace chemicals, and metals. The amount of runoff depends on various factors such as the type of soil, rainfall intensity and duration, and application rates. While runoff is a potential environmental hazard, there are steps to mitigate any potential impacts. The following are different mitigation steps land appliers typically use to reduce environmental impacts:
- Vegetative buffer strips
- Placing biosolids storage greater than 33 ft (10 m) from a waterway
- Slope restrictions
- Seasonal restrictions (e.g. no application on frozen or snow covered ground)