Amman (March 9) – Jordan's Ministry of Environment and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today launched a two-day workshop on the use of biosolids to improve soil and stimulate plant growth.  Bio-solids are nutrient-rich materials that are a byproduct of wastewater treatment that can be applied as a soil conditioner to stimulate plant growth for grazing in semi-arid areas.

While biosolids have been proven safe and effective in soil rehabilitation, and are used globally, Jordan’s regulatory framework does not permit their use in agriculture.  This workshop provides a forum for Jordanian regulatory committee members to discuss the safety, feasibility and benefits of biosolids with experts from Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United States, which currently use the materials.

 “The accumulation of biosolids is becoming an environmental and economic burden on Jordan,” said Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Taher Shakhshir.  “A national strategy is necessary for the safe management of these materials.”

USAID/Jordan’s Acting Mission Director Lewis Tatem added: “The volume of biosolids accumulating in Jordan has reached critical levels and is a threat to the environment and human health.  A comprehensive plan is necessary for managing biosolids in a way that reaps environmental, economic and social rewards.”

The USAID Water Reuse and Environmental Conservation Project is a five-year effort providing training and technical support to farmers, industries and regulators to ensure balanced approaches to environmental issues faced in Jordan