Looking for an answer
By Staff
Jason Cannon
The Franklin County Commission work session was unusually full last night. Nearly 100 residents, farmers, officials and experts packed the third floor of the courthouse to discuss an issue that recently has nearly divided the county: the use of biosolids on farmland.
Biosolids are the nutrient rich by-product of wastewater treatment, generated by channeling human waste through treatment plants and collection systems.
They have found favor with farmers across the county as fertilizer costs continue to skyrocket.
"Seventy-seven municipalities in Alabama land apply biosolids," Ronnie Murphy, the Deputy Commissioner for Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries said, "and fertilizer prices to farmers have about doubled in the last year."
John Petree, a local farmer who uses biosolids on his fields, said he saves more than $150 per acre through the use of biosolids.
At the center of the controversy is Synagro, an Arizona-based company who operates a treatment facility near Leighton.
At issue is the potential for contaminants in biosolids, including pathogens and pharmaceuticals, which could find their way into waterways and the food stream.
Hoyt George, a Franklin County resident who opposes the use of biosolids, referenced an Associated Press article noting the effects of soil and water contaminants have begun to affect wildlife.
"If it's affecting wildlife now, imagine what it's going to do to us," he said.
Waste is treated at the facilities to reduce or eliminate contaminants, primarily pathogens such as hepatitis and e-coli, before it is land applied to farms.
Dr. John Brooks, a researcher from Mississippi State University with more than a decade of experience in biosolids and it's environmental effects, said such treatment is highly effective and what's left is typically handled by Mother Nature.
"Land application is one of the safest ways to dispose of biosolids," he said. "The sun, the (Ultra Violet) rays. It all breaks down and kills pathogens. Pathogens are not capable of surviving for long periods of time outside the human body."
Brooks noted research on biosolids was ongoing regarding any dangers they may pose.
Aside from the potential for soil and water contamination, many neighbors of farmers voiced their complaints of the smell.
Murphy noted that all odor complaints are investigated and they don't always find biosolids at fault.
"Recently, we investigated an odor complaint, as we always do, and found it to be chicken litter," he said.
Many who gathered in the courthouse called on the county commission to apply pressure on state agencies to ban the application of biosolids in both the county and the state. Currently, the commission has no authority to prevent such use.
The use of biosolids is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and all application must follow a strict set of guidelines.
Still, in the meantime, local farmers have the option to continue to use this method as a viable means to fertilize their farmland.
"(The use of biosolids) would make a positive impact on my operation," David Welborn, a local chicken and cattle producer, said. "What I would like is the right to decide for myself whether to use it or not."
