Sludge Watch ==> Alabama - County Injunction against Synagro Sludge Plant

[Maureen Reilly]

Injunction will ask company to stop processing sewage sludge


By Russ Corey

Staff Writer


COLBERT COUNTY
Last Updated:November 06. 2007


Colbert County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to file an injunction 
against a company that processes sewage sludge from New York that is later 
applied to farmlands in northwest Alabama.

Texas-based Synagro operates a facility near Leighton that turns sewage 
sludge, which is the solid byproduct from wastewater treatment plants, into 
"biosolids." The material is then used to add nutrients to pastures and 
farmland.

Commissioner Rex Burleson asked the commission to approve an injunction that 
asks the company to "cease and desist receiving, storing, shipping or 
application of the material" until it can be determined that the biosolids 
do not pose a health hazard or until the state establishes stronger 
guidelines.

Commissioners Emmitt Jimmar and James Bingham were out of town on business 
and did not vote.

Ron Sparks, the state's commissioner of agriculture and industries, 
previously stated that his office has developed guidelines and he will 
require Synagro and others that process sewage sludge to follow them.

Shoals cities with wastewater treatment facilities have been disposing of 
locally generated biosolids on local farmlands for years.

Much of the material being processed at Synagro's Leighton facility is being 
shipped in by railroad car from New York City.

County Attorney James A. "Jap" Patton said the injunction will be filed in 
Colbert County Circuit Court. He said Tuesday night that he isn't sure when 
the injunction would be filed.

At some point, attorneys for the county and Synagro would argue their case 
before a judge, who would rule on the county's request. Meanwhile, the 
company will continue operations.

Some residents of Colbert County have complained of foul odors associated 
with the plant, while others have expressed concern about the effects the 
material could have on groundwater.

Burleson has stated more than once Tuesday that he would prefer the company 
leave Colbert County.

"If they'd just leave that would be fine with me," Burleson said.

In other business, the commission:

n tabled a proposal from Tuscumbia to raise the fee it charges the county to 
house female prisoners from $15,000 annually to $37,500 annually.

n awarded a $21,502 bid from Family Ford for a new pickup for the 
maintenance department.

n approved an $85,735 bid from Ramer for a new truck that is used in hauling 
old appliances from county residences.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20071107/NEWS/711070321/1011