Sludge Watch ==> Bear Valley Calif - Concerns about recycled water & recycled sludge

[maureen.reilly at sympatico.ca]

http://www.bearvalleynews.com/editor%20letters.htm


June 22th

Kern County votes to reject boisolids

Dear Editor,



   On June 6th 83.35% of the voters in Kern County decided to stop the 
dumping of BIOSOLIDS in their county. The following is taken directly from 
the Initiative Measure - “Biosolids” are treated solid, semi-solid or liquid 
residue generated during the treatment of sewage in a wastewater treatment 
facility. Land application of any materials containing biosolids is 
prohibited immediately. In addition, the ban prohibits the discharge of 
biosolids to surface waters and surface water drainage courses and prohibits 
leaching or other introduction of biosolids to groundwater aquifers.

   Further from the same Initiative Measure - “Land Apply” means the 
spraying, spreading or other placement of Biosolids onto the land surface, 
the injection of Biosolids below the surface, or the incorporation of 
Biosolids into the soil. Therefore there will be no Artificial Water 
Recharge in Kern County.

   Read the entire initiative here - Click Here.

   Why was this initiative brought before the voters and why does it matter 
to the residents of Big Bear Valley? Kern County voters stated, (again from 
the initiative) “There are numerous serious unresolved issues about the 
safety, environmental effect, and propriety of land applying Biosolids or 
sewage sludge, even when applied in accordance with federal and state 
regulations. Biosolids may contain heavy metals, pathogenic organisms, 
chemical pollutants, and synthetic organic compounds, which may pose a risk 
to public health and the environment even if properly handled.”  The words 
“…which may pose a risk…” mean that the people of Kern County are not 
willing to abide by the regulations and guidelines established 10 years ago 
when the majority of pollutants entering water supplies were unknown or 
simply ignored. They now know what’s being dumped on their land and flowing 
into their water supplies is bad and, in most cases, treated as hazardous 
waste.

   Second, it matters to the residents of Big Bear Valley because a BIOSOLID 
byproduct is currently being dispensed in our Valley. It’s called Recycled 
Water. This product is generated at the BBARWA facility and promoted and 
sold for use in residential watering, in industrial applications for 
watering turf in schools and parks as well as used for dust control by 
contractors. Unfortunately, Recycled Water is a product of sewage and 
contains the same, exact contaminates (prescription drugs, solvents, 
personal care products) that are now banned from Kern County.

   The people of Kern County are not willing to take a chance while waiting 
for new rules and regulations to emerge from the FDA, EPA, USGS or any other 
governing body. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if the residents of Big Bear 
Valley didn’t protect their water, their most valuable asset, in the same 
way with a ballot initiative of their own. Big Bear’s Silent Minority spoke 
out against a sales tax increase – they will PROBABLY also speak out against 
BIOSOLIDS.



Dan Fowlks

Fawnskin, California