Hosted  Jointly by Midwest Biosolids Association and Illinois Water Environment  Association’s Biosolids Committee 

Registration:     $20

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1.0     PDH/TCH

As     public interest in PFAS and the associated regulatory landscape evolve, it     becomes increasingly important to communicate effectively with the public     and stakeholders involved in the land application of biosolids. This     webinar will feature panelists who will share their real-world experiences     and communication strategies for addressing the challenges associated with     the public understanding about PFAS and land application of biosolids.

Presentation     1: “Biosolids Public Relations – The Need Has Never Been Greater”

Presenter: Greg Firrantello, Agronomist,     Stewart Spreading, Inc.

Social     media and instant news at our fingertips, creates many challenges for the     biosolids industry. The main challenge is, “how can we get the proper     information ahead of the curves?” In this presentation, we are going to     discuss real, everyday challenges about biosolids information and the     average citizen. Homeowners, landowners, farmers, real-estate agencies,     developers, generators, contractors, and regulators all play a part and     have an effect on true and scientific information about biosolids. Let’s dive     into real world conversations about biosolids education to the masses.

Presentation     2: “Conversations with Farmers About Biosolids and Forever     Chemicals”

Bruce MacLeod: Technical Services     Director, Synagro

Farmers     understand risk because it is part of the business. They are in the middle;     large corporations set the prices for the inputs needed to produce food,     chemical fertilizers produced in other countries, high tech seed genetics,     expensive equipment of a favorite color, weeds and fungus and insect     controls. On the other hand, the price that farmers get paid for the crops     grown are set by the commodities markets. Farmers will sell corn in 2024 at     less than half what it sold for in 2022. Bruce worked with farmers for over     30 years providing biosolids for crop production, the benefits of using     biosolids in a crop production program are very evident, lowered cost of     production. Through the years helping farmers and seeing no harm to human     health or the environment. Now, explaining that forever chemical is in     biosolids, but also in the homes, daycares, and schools and how that is     another risk to consider in the farming operation has presented challenges.     Bruce will discuss his conversations with farmers and how that has impacted     biosolids recycling.

Presentation     3: “Bridging the Gap: Practical Strategies for Public Understanding &     Engagement”

Presenter:  Megan Ross, PE, ENV SP, Business Development Manager,     Kiewit Water Facilities 

Effective     communication is critical for advocacy, particularly in complex areas like     biosolids management, where the goal is not just to inform but to persuade     stakeholders. In this presentation, we will explore the art of     communicating with persuasion which includes balancing logical reasoning     and credibility with emotional appeals that can help to build meaningful     connection with your audience. Public outreach should also prioritize     transparent communication to inform and build trust with the community, using     storytelling, visuals, and relatable narratives to make technical issues     more accessible and engaging. Strategic planning, including understanding     the audience and fostering dialogue, is key to successful public outreach     and advocacy efforts. Additionally, we will review and summarize EPA’s     public participation guide as a tool and guideline for successful     implementation of public outreach events.