Caution needed in sludge/fertilizer use

I would like to commend the Courier for its coverage of the spill of human waste which occurred on Rt. 415 on March 7th. I was surprised to find waste sludge is being used as fertilizer here in Steuben County. I believe there is reason for residents to be concerned about this practice.

Everything that goes down the drain from homes and commercial and industrial buildings connected to the sewer system goes to the local treatment plant (WTP). The sewage contains pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and depending on the industries present, may contain heavy metals including arsenic, lead, mercury and others. It also may also contain pesticides, fungi, household chemicals, unmetabolized drugs, hormones, antibiotics, dioxins, PCBs, and asbestos. At the WTP, the liquid is separated out and the remaining sludge, euphemistically renamed "biosolids," is processed.

The EPA allows Class B biosolids, which still contain some pathogens, metals, and chemicals, to be applied to the land as fertilizer with certain restrictions. Most state rules require that sludges only be tested for a limited array of contaminants. Class B biosolids are used to produce feed crops for animals and to produce grains which are then processed for human food. The government does not require food grown using biosolids to be labeled.

On the surface, "recycling" of human waste seems like an environmentally responsible alternative to incineration or landfilling. However, many scientists have voiced concerns over the safety of this practice. Cornell University scientists found that pathogens may survive in soil, especially in cool, wet conditions. Another Cornell study found, "After nearly 20 years, metals in the sludge plot leachate were found at significantly greater concentrations than in the control plot, exceeding drinking water standards for Cd, Ni, Zn and B." Elevated metal levels were found in grass growing on the sludge plot. A 2002 National Academies of Science report concludes, "There is uncertainty about the potential for adverse human health effects from exposure to biosolids. To assure the public and protect public health, there is a need to update the scientific basis of the [EPA] Part 503 rule."

The biggest concern is that heavy metals and toxins in the soil could contaminate our water or be absorbed by grazing animals or crops and enter the human food supply. Other concerns for those applying the sludge and their immediate neighbors are irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and increased infections.

We need answers to these questions: where are biosolids being applied locally? Which class? What are the specific local and state regulations? Who is providing enforcement? What testing of soil and water is being done, by whom, how often, and for what contaminants? Does Bath accept additional waste from other areas? Those downhill or downwind of the Bonny Hill Road operation ought to be particularly concerned with receiving answers to these questions.

The overall concept has the potential for benefits for everyone, but we must be sure that strong measures are in place and enforced in order to insure public health and safety.
Marissa Hursh
Bath