Sludge Watch ==> Tennessee Sludge Mulch Untested - Arsenic & bacteria ok with you?

[Maureen Reilly]

  Knox County responds to state concerns about compost

By: Kay Watson, Reporter
6/20/2007




A supervisor with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation 
(TDEC) says mulch and soil additives for sale at Knox County's green waste 
recycling site in Solway aren't harmful, but TDEC is still demanding 
changes.



An anonymous complaint to the Environmental Protection Agency prompted state 
investigators to take a closer look at the composting operation run by 
contractor, Natural Resources Recovery of TN.

The state turned over new tests showing "acceptable" levels of bacteria in 
the mulch, contrary to what the anonymous complainer alleged.

Knox County is also addressing the state's other concerns.

Grass and trees are big parts of the thirteen compost products sold at the 
site, but two pulled from the market a week and a half ago also contained 
coal ash from Oak Ridge.

The combination hadn't been tested for metals like arsenic, even though the 
state thought it had been, until 10 News asked.

Ryan Miller, a supervisor with TDEC, says even though levels of arsenic in 
one product line tested too high to be sold in Tennessee, the levels fall 
far below federal guidelines.

Miller said people that have used the "Yard Pro" and "Bed Builder" don't 
need to worry.

"We're talking parts per million, and there's a public health threat if 
there are many parts per million," Knox County Solid Waste Director John 
Evans explained.

In a four page letter to the state, Evans mentioned concern for the "tone 
and scope" of TDEC's letter.

Evans said the site is now using sand, instead of the ash from Oak Ridge, in 
the products.

He also says they're committed to making any other changes they need to.

"Where we need to change any methodologies or policies, we're willing to do 
that," Evans said. 'We want the public to be happy with the facility, and 
we're happy because it recycles thousands of tons of materials each year and 
keeps it out of the landfill."

In its letter, the state highlights several more issues with on-site 
testing.

TDEC also wants to make sure consumers are aware the mulch contains 
"biosolids", sludge leftover from sewage treatment.

High temperatures during composting are designed to kill off bacteria.

"When it has biosolids in it, there's a chance there's going to be pathogens 
in it," Miller said. "And you need to be aware, it's not clean wood-chips. 
You might not want to use it under your playground equipment."

The Solway site had information about the biosolids content posted for the 
public, but it now plans to print a label on the back of every receipt.

http://www.wbir.com/news/health/story.aspx?storyid=46446