Sludge Watch ==> Limestone County AL - sludge issue 'settled' - Synagro meeting cancelled

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch admin:

  The public meeting to address these sludge problems was cancelled.

Bad idea.


Note how the wastewater industry does its dealings behind closed doors. No 
issues examined. No problems publicly resolved.  Note that the EPA 
regulatory authority had NOTHING to do with investigating the problem, 
nothing to do with resolving the problem. The Alabama regulator didn't even 
have the documents to look at what was brought to the site.  Had no idea. No 
data.

Sludge issues need to be aired in public and the resolution of issues needs 
to be a matter of public record.



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Published October 24, 2007 10:32 pm - A meeting that was planned today 
between Limestone County commissioners and officials with Synagro 
Technologies, the firm that has spread New York City processed human waste 
on farmland in Limestone County, was cancelled because the matter has been 
settled, according to Commission Chairman David Seibert.
“They are not doing it anymore so there is no need to have a meeting,” 
Seibert said.

Sewer sludge issue ‘settled’


By Sonny Turner
sonny at athensnews-courier.com

A meeting that was planned today between Limestone County commissioners and 
officials with Synagro Technologies, the firm that has spread New York City 
processed human waste on farmland in Limestone County, was cancelled because 
the matter has been settled, according to Commission Chairman David Seibert.

“They are not doing it anymore so there is no need to have a meeting,” 
Seibert said.

Synagro has agreed to make changes after complaints about strong odors.

Commissioners had sought an injunction in circuit court to halt Synagro from 
spreading the sludge and Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks said 
Synagro officials had assured him they would no longer distribute the 
fertilizer on pastureland. Where it is spread, it will be worked into the 
dirt instead of being placed on top of the soil.

The company said it will continue to take sludge to the most remote 
locations for applications and will make deliveries just before application 
to reduce odor concerns. It also plans to alter transportation routes to 
avoid populated areas and schools.

The company said it would investigate additional odor reduction measurers. 
Sparks said that includes additional processing and the use of more lime to 
neutralize the odor.

Synagro Technologies has a contract to dispose of human wastes from New 
York. The company, which operates with approval from the Environmental 
Protection Agency, treats sludge from wastewater plants in New York and 
ships it to Alabama by rail car. The sludge is treated at a plant in 
Leighton, and then offered at no charge to farmers in Limestone County to 
fertilize their fields.

About 40 farmers signed up to receive the sludge.

Residents in the Goodsprings area of Northwest Limestone County complained 
that the sludge being spread on farmland there has created an unbearable 
odor.

http://www.enewscourier.com/local/local_story_297223259.html