Sludge Watch ==> Synagro pulling out of Limestone County Alabama

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

There are several news videos at:
http://www.whnt.com/Global/category.asp?C=63635&nav=menu108_2_5

The EPA did nothing to manage this problem .... the State Agriculture 
Commissions played the role of protecting the public and the farms.

............................................................................................


http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/071013/waste.shtml

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2007
Company ordered to clean up its waste
Ag commissioner clamps down
on use of human fecal matter


By Seth Burkett
sburkett at decaturdaily.com · 340-2355

What's good for plants may not be good for people.

That's the gist of a statement released Friday by state Agriculture and 
Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks regarding shipping, storage and 
distribution onto North Alabama farmland of fertilizer composed of treated 
human fecal matter.

Sparks acknowledged concessions agreed to by Houston-based Synagro 
Technologies Inc., but he also said Environmental Protection Agency approval 
and monitoring of the process Synagro uses doesn't make it OK.

"Although this project was approved by the EPA, obviously some mistakes have 
been made. I feel that we have to either clean up the process or stop the 
process altogether," Sparks said.

Synagro agreed to make concessions when Sparks contacted them and stressed 
public concerns based on a number of complaints his department received 
about their product.

Synagro has been supplying area farmers with biosolids — commonly called 
"sewage sludge" — treated at its Leighton plant. The biosolids produced by 
municipal wastewater plants also include sludge shipped from New York to 
Alabama by rail car.

"After we looked into what is taking place, we have growing concerns 
regarding the process for bringing these materials into Alabama and the 
distribution of the material by the Synagro company," Sparks said.

"In our communications, they assured me that they will no longer distribute 
the fertilizer on pasture land, will use the product in remote locations, 
and are making efforts to change their operating practices," Sparks said.

"In addition, any material waiting to be spread on land will be incorporated 
into the dirt instead of being placed on top of the soil. They have also 
reassured me that they are going to incorporate a higher standard of 
processing using more lime to neutralize the odor. They are arranging for 
better storage and redirecting their routes so they won't be in congested 
areas or near schools," he said.

The Limestone County Commission voted Thursday to seek an injunction to stop 
the use of biosolids on county farms until the health risks can be 
determined.

Common concerns with using human fecal waste as fertilizer include the 
possible presence of prescription drug residue and more than 60,000 toxic 
substances.

Limestone residents also complained about the smell and the unwholesome 
thought of New York poop being spread on Alabama crops.

But some farmers swear by biosolids for crop growing.

Synagro distributed it free of charge to Limestone County farmers who signed 
up for it. A Synagro spokeswoman said last week that as many as 40 farmers 
had signed up for the program and the company even formed a waiting list.

Sparks said he hopes to find a middle ground that will be good for the 
farmers and not a nuisance for the public.