How to Apply

To successfully apply for an equivalency recommendation:

• Notify the Pathogen Equivalency Committee (PEC) of your intent;
• Develop a sample;
• Create an analysis plan to gather data in support of your process's equivalency;
• Carry out that sampling plan; and
• Complete and submit an official pathogen reduction equivalency application package.

The PEC will then evaluate the package and make its recommendation through the appropriate channels. Figure 1 demonstrates the typical equivalency recommendation process.

The process can be broken down into twelve steps with four main phases:

• Initiation Phase
• Quality Assurance Project Plan Phase
• Application Phase
• Notification Phase

Resources

Applicants may use the following resources as guidance when submitting an application package to obtain a recommendation for equivalency to a Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRPs) or a Process to Significantly Reduce Pathogens (PSRP).

• Application Guidelines
  • A detailed outline for a full application for an equivalency recommendation. The outline is annotated, providing specific information appropriate for each section.
• Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
  • A QAPP ensures that the desired quality in sample collection, laboratory analysis, data validation & reporting, and documentation & record-keeping are achieved and maintained
• EPA Regional and State Contacts for Biosolids
  • ​​​​​​​Identify your permitting authority and access their contact information.
• Completeness Checklist (doc) (262.5 KB)  
  • This checklist is used by the PEC to review submitted QAPPs and equivalency applications. It is provided to help applicants double-check that all required and applicable elements have been addressed in their QAPP/equivalency application before submittal.
• Equivalency Application Package (doc) (158 KB)