Biosolids

[smithkl42]

I had my first experience today walking through a clearcut that had been recently sprayed with biosolids. At first I couldn't figure out what this dark gray mud was that was covering the ground. Finally put two and two together. (Pretty sure that it's supposed to be sterile by the time they spray it. At least, I sure hope so.)

I know we're all pretty well agreed on these forums that spraying herbicides is awful for the deer. But what about biosolids? It seems like it should, in general, encourage *all* sorts of plants to grow, both the sort that timber companies are interested in and the sort that deer are. But is that actually how it works out? Any concerns there?

[Alan K]

I, I guess for one, don't believe herbicides are bad for deer... With green up restrictions they are never more than the next clearcut over from a buffet. The state's richest deer populations are on commercial timberlands which have been treated with herbicides for decades. I know thats not the point of this thread though. Don't want to derail already, but had to say something on that sweeping statement.

On biosolids, who's land is it? I don't know of anyone that uses them with any regularity, and I'd assume it's almost as much of a favor to the local water treatment plant to get rid of it as it is a benefit to the landowner. I have seen it out in Mason County. Like you, the first time I saw it I thought huh.... Then it dawned on me.  I don't think you have anything to worry about health wise. I don't know what the composition is, I'd think it varies by what went in the intake.  In general fertilizer is a booster for all growth. Check it out again this spring when everything breaks bud.

[Bob33]

EPA FAQ:

https://www.epa.gov/biosolids/frequent-questions-about-biosolids

[HntnFsh]

I, I guess for one, don't believe herbicides are bad for deer... With green up restrictions they are never more than the next clearcut over from a buffet. The state's richest deer populations are on commercial timberlands which have been treated with herbicides for decades. I know thats not the point of this thread though. Don't want to derail already, but had to say something on that sweeping statement..

You must not frequent Weycos St .Helen's tree farm!

[hunter399]

Everybody got something to say about spraying.
With that said,
Keep in mind there in the business of growing trees.Not forage,bruss,grass,or anything deer like to eat.

[Alan K]

I, I guess for one, don't believe herbicides are bad for deer... With green up restrictions they are never more than the next clearcut over from a buffet. The state's richest deer populations are on commercial timberlands which have been treated with herbicides for decades. I know thats not the point of this thread though. Don't want to derail already, but had to say something on that sweeping statement..

You must not frequent Weycos St .Helen's tree farm!

Frequent, no, but am usually up there a few times a year. Along with Vail, Pe Ell N/S, Ryderwood, Kapowsin, Rayonier on the coast at times, and state lands thoughout SW WA... They all use the same chemicals, or at least the same active ingredients.  Clearcuts provide the best feed around. Obviously not immediately after a spray, but the feed is back in a couple years. It is as good a buffet as they could ask for and the landowners trees have had a change to get their root systems established. 

The only place thats virtually void of game that I spend time in is USFS ground. Clearcut and herbicide free...

[100 grain]

This topic always gets me thinking and I’m never vocal about it. Do you think you spray more than us east siders? Not a chance! We are surrounded by AG land and we do nothing but spray. I worked for a chemical distribution company up until last year and I’v seen how much we spray....don’t blame it on chemicals because that is not valid or we would have the issue here. With that being said, we also spread biosolids on the wheat fields (the final stage of biosolid where I live is not allowable though) and ask around because there is no issues over here. Or atleast confirmed that I’ve heard of. This has been going on for some time now. I’m anxiously waiting on the confirmation on what’s really causing these problems but it’s not chemical unless it’s compounded with chemical being one of a few factors.  My 

[Blacktail Sniper]

It certainly stretches the "A crappy day in the woods is still better than any day at work" theory...

[Romulus1297]

Obviously you went around a locked gate with signs saying no trespassing and biosolids are being utilized. With doe, health district and owners phone numbers and owners disposal permit numbers on the sign you went past. 

[JimmyHoffa]

This topic always gets me thinking and I’m never vocal about it. Do you think you spray more than us east siders? Not a chance! We are surrounded by AG land and we do nothing but spray. I worked for a chemical distribution company up until last year and I’v seen how much we spray....don’t blame it on chemicals because that is not valid or we would have the issue here. With that being said, we also spread biosolids on the wheat fields (the final stage of biosolid where I live is not allowable though) and ask around because there is no issues over here. Or atleast confirmed that I’ve heard of. This has been going on for some time now. I’m anxiously waiting on the confirmation on what’s really causing these problems but it’s not chemical unless it’s compounded with chemical being one of a few factors.  My 

I think there is a difference in the eastside ag spraying and the westside timber spraying.  The ag fields are usually being sprayed to only produce things deer/elk like to eat.  The timber lands are sprayed to produce the things they don't like to eat.  If (just the hypothetical if) the sprays are a factor, would the spray hurt more if the animals had more food than they could ever hope to eat or if they were somewhat malnourished.  A little spray on a bunch of apples and a field of wheat or alfalfa might not affect them as much as getting spray all over them just to get a blackberry stalk or a few alder branches.

[100 grain]

JH good point. Ingestion is a separate issue than being applicated on. I’m part of a Facebook forum that people post on the sprays being applicated on the west side forsests (hiking forum) and they are no different than items applicated here. They were exact chemicals we spray year after year. Oddly enough some were manufactured by my old company. So, maybe your on to something with the applications over the top of the animals. Look at the famous Agent orange issue. Aerial applications should have taught us lessons years ago applicating over living things!

[throwingsticks]

There is not a health risk with biosolids, I wouldn't stress

[KFhunter]

There is not a health risk with biosolids, I wouldn't stress

According to the link Bob33 tossed up, that isn't fully settled.

[hunter399]

You all know back in the good ol days they used to clear cut then burn the whole area .Which I think was a lot better for wildlife you have grass ,brush ,trees ,everything growing back at the same time.

[Alan K]

Don't disagree there! The cost and restrictions are just crippling anymore. Slash piles here and there, but no more broadcast.