Synagro agrees to Alabama biosolids rules

Montgomery, Ala.-Synagro Technologies Inc. has agreed to cooperate fully – and then some – with stronger statewide regulations resulting from growing concerns over the way biosolids are being used to fertilize farmland, according to the company and the state’s top agriculture official. Ag Dept. Commissioner Ron Sparks told Green Markets after a meeting with Synagro Executive Vice President Alvin Thomas that “they’re willing to do the things they need to do” to comply with new guidelines, which Sparks termed tougher than EPA’s. “Some of the things we talked about are not required by EPA,” Sparks pointed out. He said Alabama wants odor control, nutrient management, proper application, monitoring of pH levels for at least two years, and heavy metals restrictions. The state also will be restricting applications of biosolids near dwellings, streams, and property lines. Thomas indicated that Synagro intends to go beyond the state’s requirements. He said the company will make available on its web site documents pertaining to these guidelines, and will set up a customer service line “so community issues can be addressed as quickly as possible.” He added, “We will continue to work through partnerships with farmers and communities across the state as a good corporate citizen to provide increased economic and environmental benefits to agricultural operations.” Opposition spread to the state level from Limestone County, where residents complained about strong odors and biosolids being left on the surface. Officials there also talked about filing for an injunction. More recently, the Colbert County commission voted unanimously to file for an injunction against Synagro to halt use of biosolids being brought into the area from New York. Sparks said Synagro is the only biosolids applicator the state has contacted, but added that the new rules would apply to all companies in the business. Synagro ships the treated sewer sludge from New York, treats it at a plant in Leighton, and gives it to farmers.