Sludge Watch ==> Biosolid Field Proposal Raises Red Flags - Salem Oregon

[Maureen Reilly]

>From the Polk County Itemizer-Observer
http://www.itemizerobserver.com/ArcStoryPage.asp?Database=Story&StoryID=11206

Date Published to Web: 10/9/2007

Biosolid field proposal raises red flags


POLK COUNTY -- The owners of Golden Valley Farms of Polk County have 
proposed a biosolids site and storage facility for their property near 
Hopewell.
By Erin Zysett

POLK COUNTY -- The owners of Golden Valley Farms of Polk County have 
proposed a biosolids site and storage facility for their property near 
Hopewell.
   The property is off of Lone Oak Road near Western Mennonite School.
   Biosolids are the organic residues resulting from the treatment of 
commercial, industrial, and municipal wastewater (sewage). Biosolids are 
categorized as "Type A" and "Type B."
   The proposed site would be used to treat and store Type B biosolids - 
those that are more heavily controlled and restricted by the Department of 
Environmental Quality because they may contain pathogens.
   Type A biosolids have been far more purified and are often used to make 
fertilizer.
   Typically, at a site like the one proposed in Polk County, the sludge is 
spread out over a field that has been fenced in to prevent people from 
wandering through the contaminated soil.
   A buffer zone is often established to minimize drift from wind or runoff.
   These sites use solar exposure and nature to purify and filter the soil 
that been covered with the sludge.
   Biosolid sites have proved effective in certain climates and with certain 
soil types.
   Neighbors who have voiced concerns say that based on soil analysis maps 
they requested from the state Department of Agriculture, don't think the 
proposed site is necessarily a good fit.
   They say they want strong assurances and clear plans indicating that the 
site will be closely monitored for potential contamination and seepage.
   "Children, pets, wind and water don't understand boundaries. I just want 
to be sure that what is spread on that property will stay on that property 
and not end up on my land," Marilyn Webb, an owner of Bethel Heights 
Vineyard, told Polk County commissioners.
   She and a few other concerned neighbors are actively petitioning for the 
City of Salem to create a task force that would be charged with overseeing 
the site's creation.
   "We don't want to do anything that will shut down the lines of 
communication or come across as hysterical or alarmist," Janice Turner, a 
neighbor, said.
   Turner told the commissioners that she and her neighbors just want to 
make sure that everything is done correctly, safely and transparently.
   The DEQ has endorsed the site, but there are questions about whether a 
site in the valley is the best match for this type of facility, which relies 
on evaporation to work and typically is located in a more arid climate.
   Anyone who lives near the proposed site or who wants to know more about 
what is being planned by Golden Valley Farms and the DEQ is encouraged to 
attend an information session and formal public hearing starting at 6 p.m on 
Thursday, Oct. 25, at Walker Middle School's Media Center. The school is at 
1075 8th St. NW in West Salem.

For more information: Paul Kennedy, Western Region Biosolids Coordinator at 
1-541-440-3338 ext. 228, or kennedy.paul at deq.state.or.us.