Sludge Watch ==> Virginia - what we know about sludge - what we don't

[Maureen Reilly]

What we know about sludge - and what we don't
C.W. Williams
December 9, 2006
Your recent editorial "This stinks," Nov. 30, was revealing of the current 
facts facing the disposal of sewage waste sludge pollution in Virginia. In 
this article you posed a number of questions. You will be pleased to know 
that there are those who do know answers to your questions.

I have traveled the state and collected citizen testimonials as well as 
documented misapplications of sludge pollution. I have served on several 
state committees and have extensive research on documented evidence that 
substantiates much of your article.

Every scientist, government agency and the waste industry agree that 
regardless of euphemism or assigned acronym, the residue from treating 
wastewater to drinking standards is pollution. Therefore, call it sludge, 
biosolids, soil amendment or "free fertilizer," it is a pollutant and must 
be handled as a pollutant. It is impossible for one to spread, pile, inject, 
incinerate or cultivate sludge without polluting. However, the most 
effective disposal solution is energy conversion fuel. As to your questions:

Is sludge safe? No.

What kind of and how many pathogens does sludge contain? Sludge has been 
analyzed to contain bacteria, enteric viruses, protozoa, helminths, and more 
than 100,000 organic and inorganic chemicals (pharmaceuticals and 
industrial). What is not known is to what extent and degree they react with 
each other and the environment.

Increase it from 100 to 4,000 acres and what's the effect? More pollution 
will be emitted into the atmosphere, more runoff into the waterways, more 
forest animal habitat will be covered, more animal food sources and water 
will be contaminated, and more residents will be subjected to an increased 
amount of sludge pollution problems.

Are there toxins, solvents, hormones, pathogens and pharmaceuticals in the 
sludge pollution? The original source will determine the content and 
contamination level. However, any sludge can be tested for these 
constituents, and Virginia law allows any county with a sludge ordinance to 
"monitor and test" the sludge before, during and after application. There is 
a fund set up to reimburse the counties for actual incurred expenses.

You are correct to address the regulation standards as antiquated. 
Wastewater treatment plants are designed for water treatment, not for sludge 
treatment or analysis. Recent Water Environment Research Foundation research 
has shown that bacteria levels once accepted as standard are now found to 
reactivate after treatment. This is a "known fact" that has been hidden from 
the public and sludge users. In addition, the Environmental Protection 
Agency, the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of 
Environmental Quality do not issue risk information to either potential or 
current sludge users. There is never a community health survey. In addition, 
with chemical and metal soil build-up, the farmer does not benefit 
long-term.

You are correct that sludge pollution is applied without a controlled study, 
without adequate risk assessment, without adequate monitoring or testing, 
without adequate human or animal exposure data, while being forced on the 
citizens of Virginia so a few entities may profit.

Yes, there is much that we know that screams caution and control.

Williams is a citizens' representative on the Biosolids Use Regulations 
Advisory Committee of the Virginia Department of Health.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-98128sy0dec09,0,428757.story?coll=dp-opinion-editorials