Martins Creek, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding a group of protesters in Lower Mount Bethel that the state, and not local government, regulates biosolids for use as fertilizer. “DEP considers biosolids a safe and natural way for farmers to grow their crops,” Colleen Connolly, community relations coordinator, told Green Markets. That may not be enough to convince those who consider biosolids – or what they call “sludge” – a danger to the community. Tempers flared recently after farmers in the area advised township supervisors of their plans to begin using biosolids, which would be provided free by Synagro. Residents said they were wary of the product being used in the area because of potential odor and environmental hazards. Actually, these complaints are not new to this area. A few years ago the township attempted to create an ordinance regulating the application of the fertilizer on farms, but lost its case in the state supreme court, where judges ruled that the authority rests with Pennsylvania DEP. Synagro spokeswoman Lisa Williams said the company would be open to attending a public forum to help ease concerns and would invite residents to tour a treatment plant. Connolly said DEP understands that there are instances of odors in Lower Mount Bethel, but those situations are exempt from regulations. “We investigate odors, but they are exempt under the provisions of the land use approval and can’t sanction the situation for the odor issue or take any action,” she pointed out.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain