Sludge Watch ==> Pennsylvania - Synagro - Residents say stench keeps them indoors

[Maureen Reilly]

>From Helane Sheilds:

Federal law says sludge use or disposal is a LOCAL option – States are 
violating federal law by usurping local control over sludge . . .


http://thewatchers.us/sludge_local_control.html

[Note:  Sludge bullies force toxic/pathogenic wastes from urban and 
industrial sources on unwilling rural communities . . . ]

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http://www.ydr.com/newsfull/ci_6851163


Forces to join to fight sludge
Shrewsbury Twp. residents say the stench keeps them indoors.
By BARB KREBS
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Last Updated: 09/10/2007 06:22:23 AM EDT


At bottom:  · AT A GLANCE
Sep 10, 2007 — Shrewsbury Township and several residents will join forces to 
stop the spread of sludge on local farmland, a practice they said is 
degrading their quality of life.
"I have a 45-acre horse farm and I understand manure smells, but fertilizing 
with human waste is not manure. We are held captives in our own homes," Sue 
Fox said.

Residents said the sludge, on land owned by George Phillips, gives off a 
nauseating stench, forcing them to remain indoors with closed windows.

More than 70 people packed Shrewsbury Township's meeting room Wednesday to 
ask supervisors to put an immediate end to the problem. They also presented 
a petition with more than 500 signatures asking for the same thing.

After giving residents the opportunity to air their concerns, the board of 
supervisors asked solicitor Peter Solymos to pursue all possible legal 
remedies, including an injunction, to stop the spread of sludge on land.

"This situation is intolerable. I am incensed. We want it stopped and 
whatever legal action is required I'm ready to proceed," supervisor Paul 
Solomon told Solymos.

The sludge is coming primarily from areas of York County and within 
communities where industrial, commercial and residential sewerage is 
treated, including Penn Township and York City, Solomon said.

Supervisor Joe Newberger read a statement saying the township notes that the 
state Department of Environmental Protection has found large areas of high 
levels of nitrates in the groundwater. He said sludge testing is a year 
behind schedule and it is done by the applicant or treatment plant operators 
when it should be done by state or county officials.

Phillips said his farms - about 600 acres of field crops including soybeans 
and corn - met all the requirements two years ago before he was allowed to 
use sludge as fertilizer.

"We went through the permitting process and have provided all kinds of 
documentation. ... The sludge is inspected and tested and we spread sludge 
two days a year," Phillips said. "I've never had a problem with the 
township. We have a couple of people who have a problem. Not one of them has 
ever called me about it. If they did I would be willing to try to work it 
out."

The township is asking for annual soil tests to determine the buildup of 
heavy metals and other pollutants and regular testing of local springs and 
wells to be paid for by the applicant.

Mark Reider, technical services manager for Synagro Mid-Atlantic - a 
Maryland company that delivers the sludge to farms - also attended the 
meeting.

He said the sludge is tested regularly and meets all requirements. When 
residents and Solomon asked to halt sludge deliveries, Reider said there is 
more stored on Philips' farm waiting to be spread. He did, however, promise 
to notify the township and residents before the spreading takes place.

Solymos suggested the township and the residents work as a team and 
residents should form a neighborhood association and appoint two people to 
speak for the group and attend meetings the township is seeking with county 
and state officials.

While the state regulates spreading of sludge, there are a few things the 
township can do, he said.

Phillips, who has been farming in Shrewsbury Township for 25 years, said he 
has reduced his herd of cattle from 1,000 to 200 animals because of 
complaints from neighbors.

“I want to try to be a good neighbor but when will it stop. What will they 
want me to do next?” he said.


AT A GLANCE
Shrewsbury Township attempted to stop the spreading of sludge in 2005 and 
was told that state law supersedes township law even though the township has 
adopted standards that exceed those of the state.

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