PFCs focus of Alabama biosolids investigation

Montgomery, Ala.-Decatur Utilities, which provides electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services in the greater Decatur, Ala., area, has suspended distribution of biosolids for use as fertilizer after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency detected perfluorinated compounds last November in samples from the utility’s Dry Creek Plant. Decatur officials were not available for comment, but a statement indicated that the utility is working closely with EPA and the Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management to determine the source of the compounds. Researchers now believe the compounds can cause serious health problems, including cancer. PFCs are used in manufacturing and in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including those with Teflon, which reportedly can degrade into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). “The EPA has indicated that its concern is with compounds detected in sewage sludge sampled at the Dry Creek Plant in September 2007,” according to the statement. EPA and the state notified Decatur Utilities of this detection in November 2008. Decatur management stressed that the compounds have not been found in public drinking water and that the notification relates only to lands upon which the biosolids have been applied that may have absorbed or accumulated the substance, either in the soil or groundwater. Decatur Utilities has ensured that no sludge has been land applied since EPA’s November notification. “It is important to note that EPA has confirmed that Decatur Utilities is in compliance with all sludge regulations and the Dry Creek plant sludge does meet all EPA and ADEM requirements for land application,” Decatur General Manager Ray Hardin said. “We are told that due to the complexity of these substances and the analytical difficulties, it will take some time to establish regulatory limits. In the interim, Decatur Utilities will continue to suspend land application of Dry Creek plant sludge.” He said public inquiries have been prompted by EPA’s Jan. 8 provisional health advisory for these substances, which is the first time EPA has established any level for PFOA or PFOS. Meanwhile, voters in Lawrence and Franklin counties in northwest Alabama have gained legislative approval of constitutional amendments allowing referendums to decide if use of biosolids as fertilizer should been prohibited. An amendment also is expected to be passed for Colbert County. The decision by voters could affect Synagro Technologies, which has been operating a plant in the area and making available biosolids shipped in from New York.