Sludge Watch ==> Pennsylaviania township joins neighbors in opposing sludge

[Maureen Reilly]

West Manheim to oppose dumping sludge
By MELODY ASPER
For The Evening Sun
05/22/2008


West Manheim Township officials have adopted a resolution to stand alongside 
another Pennsylvania township in opposition to dumping sewage sludge on 
fields near residential areas.

The resolution was adopted at the request of the Board of Supervisors of 
East Brunswick Township in Schuylkill County, said West Manheim Supervisor 
Darrell Raubenstine.

Correspondence sent from Brunswick Township to West Manheim said sewage 
sludge can have a harmful, and often fatal, impact on livestock, health, 
environment and safety. The letter from Brunswick's supervisors also noted a 
state law - PA Act 38 (ACRE) - limits the rights of local municipalities to 
govern the use of sludge.

Raubenstine said some of the sewage sludge, which is from human waste, is 
treated for bacteria but not for heavy metals that can then leach into 
underground water supplies.

"Sewage sludge is being applied to farmland and it is affecting public 
health," Raubenstine said. "The flies are terrible. It's getting into wells. 
Something's got to be done."

The supervisors unanimously adopted the resolution. Supervisor Carl Gobrecht 
was absent from the meeting.

http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_9345206