Sludge Watch ==> Hickley sludge compost site inches ahead...neighbors opposed

[Maureen Reilly]

http://www.desertdispatch.com/2006/115996719546227.html

Wednesday, October 4, 2006


   Letters to the Editor

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Hinkley sludge site 
has been released. We may have had an impact on the EIR, it was scheduled to 
come out a few weeks ago but was delayed.

There has been some talk that the sludge site is a done deal and that their 
isn't much for us to do to stop it. I don't believe that. One theory of 
sludge is that sunlight helps kill the bad things in it. If we expose enough 
light on this process and raise a big enough stink (I know bad pun) we might 
be able to kill the project outright.

The EIR along with the reports on the chromium 6 testing wells can be read 
at the Barstow Branch Library. Just ask the friendly folk at the front desk 
and they will get the files for you. Also electronic versions of the 
documents can be found at helphinkley.org.

Even though it seems that the light at the end of the tunnel might be an 
oncoming train all is not lost. There will be another comment period of 45 
days. So please send your comments to: Carrie Hyke Supervising Planner, Land 
Use Services Department 385 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 
92415-0812.

Or you can fax your comment to 909-387-3223. In working with the county 
services in other departments I have found a written letter or fax carries 
more weight than an e-mail but if you want to go that route send comments 
to: chyke@ lusd.sbcounty.gov. Have heart the concerned people of Hinkley 
have been good in getting Desert Tortoise and other groups enlisted in the 
fight.

You can also make yourself heard in person. There will be one public meeting 
on October 11 at 6 p.m. at Hinkley School on plans for sewage sludge in the 
High Desert. Representatives from the county and Nursery Products, the 
company that wants to run the sludge operation, are scheduled to be there. 
As I said before this isn't just a Hinkley issue, this operation has the 
potential to negatively impact every one in the High Desert. Letter, faxes 
and calls are great but butts in the seats will get the message across also. 
The next time we may have to confront this issue may be when up to 200 
trucks full of toxic, smelly sludge roll into our back yard every day.

What else can you do? The Hinkley folks are organizing so any help you can 
give them would be greatly appreciated, go to helphinkley.org for contact 
information, forms, and details.

It seems that as far as our county "representatives" are concerned this is a 
done deal so maybe it is time too kick this up a upstairs a step. You can 
find the dresses for all our state representative in the Dispatch, at the 
Library, online or in your phone book.

While you are kicking it upstairs why not kick around your neighborhood? If 
you feel strongly about this issue tell your neighbors how one of the 
largest open air sewage sludge facilities in the world will make the desert 
a place with the potential for sewage dust, flies and smell to invade our 
homes in Barstow, Hinkley and the whole High Desert. Also it is time to ask 
the City Council how they feel about this situation. You can get a hold of 
them at city hall, 256-3531 and the website is http://www.barstowca.org/. 
<http://www.barstowca.org/>

This is by no means a done deal. If you want to talk this issue over with me 
feel free to e-mail me at barstow at verizon.net and I am at the Mojave River 
Valley Museum most Sundays, give me a call at 256-5452.

Steve Smith, Barstow