Sludge Watch ==> PCBs in Milorganite - 25 public school fields closed - 15, 000 players sidelined

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

Here Milorganite of Milwaukee is saying that they gave away Milorganite that 
was too low in nitrogen to be sold as 'Milorganite'. This dried sludge was 
contaminated with PCBs, and spread on public parks in Milwaukee.
Looks like it was spread on 25 public school properties in Milwaukee, too.

This raises a few questions.

Why was the Milorganite material not tested for PCBs before it was given 
away?

PCB testing is required for Milorganite.  PCBs were known to be dumped into 
the Milwaukee sewers, where there is a history of dumping.  Clearly the PCB 
testing protocol is inadequate.

Second:  Why are school fields spread with failed fertilizer?
If the sludge material doesn't have enough plant nutrient to be effective as 
fertilizer why is is used as fertilizer?

It is like saying "this cleaner does not clean...lets give to schools".
or "These pens don't write...lets provide them to schools".
Or "This food is low in nutrition...lets give it it to school kids'.

Spreading industrially contaminated sewer wastes on municipal land is 
dangerous and perverse.
It has got to stop.


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http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=1&date=7/24/2007&id=26875

TUESDAY, July 24, 2007, 5:34 p.m.
By Jesse Garza
Rec softball, soccer leagues postponed

All softball, soccer and kickball leagues that use Milwaukee Public Schools 
fields closed because of potentially harmful levels of toxic chemicals have 
been temporarily postponed, an MPS spokeswoman said this afternoon.

The temporary closure of 25 MPS recreational areas will affect league play 
at Burnham, Dyer, Emigh, Lincoln, Rogers, Wick and Vincent fields, MPS 
spokeswoman Roseann St. Aubin said.

Between 15,000 and 16,000 players in the three sports are involved in league 
play at those fields, said Molly Barrett, assistant director of MPS's 
recreation division.

League play at those fields, some sponsored by MPS and some by private 
organizations that obtain use permits, began as early as April and most 
leagues are now winding down, Barrett said.

Recreation officials will wait for results of soil testing before deciding 
how long those fields will be closed to league play, St. Aubin said.

Anyone with questions about the leagues affected may call (414) 475-8410.

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