Management Strategies and Stakeholders Analysis to Strengthen the Management and Use of Biosolids in a Colombian Municipality

Camilo Venegas, Andrea C. Sánchez-Alfonso, Crispín Celis, Fidson-Juarismy Vesga and Mauricio González Mendez
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Camilo Venegas: Department of Microbiology, Grupo de Biotecnología Ambiental e Industrial (GBAI), Laboratorio Calidad Microbiológica de Aguas y Lodos (CMAL), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43–82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Andrea C. Sánchez-Alfonso: Gestión Ambiental Sostenibilidad y Territorio (GAMSTE), Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca, Avenida Calle 24 (Esperanza) # 60-50, Centro Empresarial Gran Estación, Costado Esfera-Pisos 6-7, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
Crispín Celis: Department of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43–82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Fidson-Juarismy Vesga: Department of Microbiology, Grupo de Biotecnología Ambiental e Industrial (GBAI), Laboratorio Calidad Microbiológica de Aguas y Lodos (CMAL), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43–82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Mauricio González Mendez: School of Environmental and Rural Studies, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Transversal 4 No 42-00, Piso 8°, Bogotá 110231, Colombia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-25

Abstract: The difficulties in the management and use of biosolids in Colombia make it necessary to evaluate and analyze the factors involved through various methodologies to achieve the effective management and recycling of this type of waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the management of sludge and biosolids from a WWTP in a Colombian municipality through the application of three methodologies (SWOT/TOWS, surveys, and stakeholder (player) weighing) for their subsequent use in agriculture. As a result, strategies were proposed at the regulatory, organizational policy, and entity integration levels, among others. It was identified that about 93.6% of the people surveyed had a positive attitude towards the use of biosolids in agriculture, despite recognizing the existence of a risk (27.3%) in this type of practice. On the other hand, regarding the communication of WWTP management of these wastes, they perceived that it to be absent (65%) and the lack of knowledge regarding the destination of these wastes was even greater (72.7%). Through the weighting of actors, 16 players were classified with whom it is necessary to work closely, regularly, or occasionally. The methodologies proposed will allow similar WWTPs to optimize their processes through continuous improvement and joint work between the different entities and communities. It is recommended that other methodologies be used to evaluate player position level in relation to planned strategies, as well as the level of associations of one player with another, independent of power and influence.

Keywords: agriculture; biosolids; players or interested parties as stakeholders; solid waste management; SWOT; TOWS; WWTP (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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