Indicators for managing biosolids in Ireland

J Environ Manage. 2008 Sep;88(4):1361-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.07.003. Epub 2007 Aug 17.

Abstract

Sustainable development indicators (SDIs) have emerged as a tool to measure progress towards sustainable development for a number of fields. However, no indicator initiative to date has been aimed at biosolids management at local authority, regional or national levels. This paper presents a study where stakeholders involved in the management of biosolids in Ireland participated in the development of SDIs for managing biosolids at the local/regional level. A significant 81% of participating stakeholders find SDIs either 'useful' or 'very useful' as a tool for managing biosolids. A suite of 22 indicators has been developed and arranged according to the driving force-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) indicator framework. The indicators address all the domains of biosolids management namely, production, quality, cost, legislation/regulation, training/research and recycling/disposal. The stakeholder approach is recognition that no effective indicator set can be developed without the input of stakeholders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ireland
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*