|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
CONTACT: |
State |
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 11, 2007, Letter to Republican & Herald
Dear Editor:
Brian Rich’s April 7 letter, “Mine owners’ use of biosolids smart,” is a dangerous, slanted simplification of an important issue.
There never was, and never will be, a “clear evidence of safety” regarding biosolids. Even regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency, whose ties to the biosolids industry should raise eyebrows, dedicate chapters to pathogen reduction in sludge. The EPA maintains land application of sludge can be done safely. The public health question at stake is whether sludge is being applied safely.
The National Research Council, after an 18-month study, said toxic chemicals and infectious organisms may be present in biosolids and that federal safety standards governing sludge applications are outdated and inadequate. So much for the “virtually unanimous” support for biosolids that Mr. Rich cited.
The EPA’s Inspector General found that the agency does not have an effective program for ensuring compliance with the land application requirements and cannot assure the public that land application practices protect human health and the environment.
In Pennsylvania, state funding for conservation districts to test sludge sites had ended.
It is a mark of responsibility, not scare mongering, to question sludge applications.
I have introduced House Bill 792 that would enable municipalities to have sludge sites inspected, with the costs paid by the sludge applicator, landowner or sludge transporter. The legislation also would enable the DEP to make unannounced inspections of sludged sites when it receives a written complaint.
Citizens of Pennsylvania can put their trust in outdated science, inadequate regulation and Mr. Rich’s fairytale assurances. Or they can use their noggins and demand sludge oversight that protects their health.
State Rep. Camille “Bud” George,
D-74 of Clearfield County
PH: 717 787-7082
Rep. George is majority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.