Sludge Watch ==> Bedford Virginia- talk of maybe an ordinance - community sick

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

In this story a local family physician notes the increased number of skin 
rashes in families near sludge sites. Skin rashes are an almost universal 
complaint among Toronto sewage treatment plant workers.
I have also visited farm communities where sludge is spread and had the 
neighbour guys come over and show me their arms and pull up their pant legs 
to show me rashes and pustules.

I understand that chromium in the sludge may be part of the problem.  This 
needs to be studied.
If the the WERF could ever get going on the promised 'rapid response 
investigation of sludge health complaints' team....well then we could all 
learn more about the impact of sludge on public health.


Three years ago WERF promised to put in place a team of experts to 
investigate health complaints related to the land application of sewage 
sludge.  Promises...plenty.  Investigations...not one.

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http://www.newsadvance.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=LNA%2FMGArticle%2FLNA_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173350836270&path=!news!archive

Biosolids resolution created


Justin Faulconer
jfaulconer at newsadvance.com
April 19, 2007





BEDFORD - As a biosolids land application issue continues to divide area 
residents, the Bedford County Planning Commission further discussed it 
Wednesday night.

A task force within the commission was formed months ago to give direction 
to the Bedford County Board of Supervisors regarding a proposed ordinance 
that would ban corporations from spreading biosolids, treated human waste 
used as fertilizer.

The commission agreed Wednesday to send a proposed resolution to Carl 
Bogess, the county’s attorney.

In the resolution, the board recommended a scaled-down version of an 
ordinance that adds local management and control of the material within 
state standards. It would also insert further provisions to allow the county 
to stop an application permit if state and federal regulations are violated.

Lynn Barnes, who serves on the commission and the task force, said Wednesday 
that the issue is whether the county wants to increase its ability to manage 
land applications of biosolids, which some people feel is unsafe.

Board member Steve Wilkerson said he would not vote for any ordinance before 
holding a public hearing on it.

“We are not proposing an ordinance,” said Barnes. “What we’re proposing is 
to pass a resolution recommending the board to adopt an ordinance such as 
this.”

After Bogess reviews it, the commission will vote. Chairman Fred Fralick 
said he wants legal advice before making a final decision.

The discussion came a night after the Campbell County Board of Supervisors 
voted 5-2 to reject an ordinance similar to the proposed Bedford one that 
would ban corporations from spreading biosolids. That board did vote to 
adopt a standard monitoring ordinance that is used in more than 20 Virginia 
localities.

The same ordinance, which Barnes called a “middle of the road” measure, was 
another option mentioned in Wednesday’s report but not included in the 
resolution.

Opponents and supporters gave thoughts to the commission before it made its 
report in a public comments session.

Troy Rice of Thaxton said he felt farmers who have financial stock 
(biosolids are touted as cheap fertilizer) in the issue should have been 
included in the report process.

“Your actions say we don’t have a seat at the table,” Rice said.

Ricky Wilkerson, who lives close to a controversial storage site on 
Otterville Road, said he has been bothered more by trespassers complaining 
about the site than the biosolids themselves.

“You ignored every fact,” Wilkerson told the commission.

Stacey Katany, a Bedford County family physician, said she recently has been 
treating patients with unusual rashes and skin irritations. Their common 
trait, Katany said, was that they live close to land where biosolids are 
applied.

“It is my professional opinion that we as a community should be concerned,” 
Katany said.