Truth in Health Podcast S1E2: Biosolids, Public Health, and the Mission to Stop Sewage Dumping on American Land
Across the United States, millions of acres of land are used for farming, grazing, and residential living. What many people don’t realize is that some of this land is also used for the disposal of municipal sewage solids—commonly referred to as biosolids.
In Season 1, Episode 2 of the Truth in Health Podcast, host Chip Paul speaks with Paula Yockel, founder of Mission 503, about how this practice became federally permitted, the public health risks communities face, and why Mission 503 is advocating for major infrastructure reform.
🎥 Watch the Full Episode
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
What Are “Biosolids”?
“Biosolids” is the industry term for treated sewage solids left behind after wastewater treatment. While modern infrastructure focuses heavily on cleaning water, far less attention is given to how the remaining solids are managed.
Under the federal 40 CFR Part 503 rule, these sewage solids are permitted to be spread on land and are often marketed as fertilizer. According to Mission 503, this rule focuses on limited testing standards and does not require testing for many pathogens, pharmaceuticals, or antibiotic-resistant organisms.
A Personal Story That Sparked a National Mission
Paula Yockel’s advocacy began after she and her husband unknowingly purchased land within a long-standing sewage disposal corridor outside Oklahoma City. Over time, trucks began dumping treated sewage on neighboring land—often near homes and wells.
The first warning sign was odor. But odor is more than a nuisance—it represents airborne particles, gases, and compounds capable of traveling across property lines and into homes.
As health problems mounted, Paula began questioning the assurances that the practice was safe. That inquiry eventually led to years of research and the founding of Mission 503.
Health Concerns and Scientific Findings
Between 2008 and 2016, Mission 503 worked with laboratories and researchers across the country to analyze sewage samples, air exposure, and post-application land conditions.
Their findings revealed the presence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Acinetobacter baumannii
In some cases, these organisms were still present 30 days after land application, raising concerns about prolonged exposure risks for nearby communities.
Why Infrastructure Must Change
Mission 503 emphasizes that policy changes alone are not enough. America’s wastewater infrastructure was designed to clean water—not to safely manage massive volumes of sewage solids.
Without new infrastructure solutions, simply banning land application would leave municipalities without viable alternatives. Mission 503 advocates for modern systems that protect communities, farmland, and public health.
Mission 503’s Call to Action
Mission 503 is now focused on national awareness and federal engagement. The organization has released an open video letter to the Trump administration and the American people, outlining research findings and proposed solutions.
This issue is non-partisan and fundamentally about public health.
Learn more, view research, and watch the open video letter:
https://mission503.org/get-informed
📜 Full Episode Transcript
For accessibility and transparency, the complete transcript of this episode is available below.
View the Full Transcript (Google Drive)
The transcript is provided in a clean, readable format and reflects the full recorded conversation.
About the Truth in Health Podcast
The Truth in Health Podcast explores the intersection of environmental health, public policy, science, and lived experience. Hosted by Chip Paul, the show creates space for important conversations impacting individuals, families, and communities nationwide.
Learn More
