The statement 'Human waste may be used on produce crops only if it meets EPA biosolids regulation (40 CFR part 503)' is:

• A. Only if composted
• B. Only if applied with irrigation
• C. True
• D. False

Answer: (C)

Using human waste on produce is regulated to protect public health, and it can only happen if the material meets EPA biosolids requirements under 40 CFR part 503. Those rules set strict treatment standards to reduce pathogens, limit metals and other pollutants, and require practices that minimize health risks and appropriate restrictions for land-application of biosolids. In other words, biosolids applied to fields that grow crops for consumption must be processed and tested to meet these standards; without meeting them, land application is not permitted. The idea that it’s only allowable if it’s composted is too narrow, because compliant biosolids can come from multiple approved processes beyond composting.