Supervisors Move To Put Moratorium On Use of Biosolids

Biosolids are the solid organic matter that remains after wastewater (sewage) treatment. These solids are then treated to meet specific standards before being used as a soil amendment or fertilizer, primarily in agriculture.

Supervisor Alicia Terry of Gilboa, Chair of the county Agriculture Committee, said Friday’s BOS actions came after several area farmers showed up at the last two committee meetings to express concerns about biosolids. A representative from a company that distributes biosolids was also present and so it was a rather balanced discussion, Terry added.

“The intent is to slow this down and let’s review the science and see what the scientific consensus is on the long-term impact of biosolids,” she said in a phone conversation after the April 18 BOS meeting. “Unlike animal waste, biosolids can be super concentrated in terms of residual materials like PFOAs or heavy metals.”

Terry added that the supervisors wanted to act quicker with an executive order and then the May 16 public hearing because it’s spring and growers are getting busy applying fertilizers to their lands. She said many biosolids end up in landfills but that represents a concern as well because they can produce methane.

The topic got quite a bit of discussion at the April 18 BOS meeting. Chairman Bill Federice of Conesville said the executive order was being drafted and he expected to receive it soon for his signature.