The Yolo County Board of Supervisors finds and determines that human, household and other waste products that are processed at municipal wastewater (sewage)treatment plants and from septic systems, which material is collectively referred to herein as “biosolids,” poses a potential threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens, residents and businesses of Yolo County, when used as a soil additive or fertilizer. Further the Board of Supervisors finds that biosolids can contain heavy metals, pathogenic organisms and chemical pollutants, which can pose a threat to human health, agriculture and to water quality. When biosolids are applied to lands in agricultural areas, the mere fear of contamination to agricultural crops produced on such land and/or on neighboring properties can result in a loss of value for the agricultural products and to the land itself. Accordingly, the Board of Supervisors finds that in order to protect the public health, safety and general welfare and to safeguard water quality and the viability of agriculture within the County, it is necessary to regulate the manner and conditions under which biosolids may be used and applied to land within the unincorporated area of the County.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to regulate the land application of biosolids on unincorporated areas of Yolo County in a manner that is consistent with agronomic rates, which protects public health, ground and surface waters, agricultural markets, sensitive wetland and habitat areas. To protect critical ground water basins and food production areas, this chapter provides local control and establishes minimum standards for the safe use of biosolids. The provisions of this chapter shall be effective only within the unincorporated territory of the County. (§ 1, Ord. 1204, eff. January 16, 1997)