SLUDGE VICTIMS

The County has options controlling contaminates coming into the County. Notification by Synagro has been very lax, and further discussed potential hazards to the wildlife and environment, and requested proof that these materials are not hazardous to your health.

David Marianno, Suisun, noted between April 15th and October 15th 24 hours a day sewage sludge is being brought into the County, and expressed concern with what is in the sludge. There are not many residents that live in the area, and noted his bad experience with the biosolids that have been spread, exposure to the vectors, pathogens and odors. Mr. Marianno expressed concern with these toxins being transferred into the food chain , with runoff carrying this to the marsh, and the damage to the wildlife and the environment. This needs to be stopped, and requested the Board deny the permit for Synagro.

Mark Grey, Regional Technical Services Manager Synagro Technologies, noted the measures Synagro has proposed to mitigate the concerns, and emphasized that no other health problems have been reported. Farmers do want the biosolids to improve the soil. Mr. Grey discussed the regulations pertaining to biosolids, the rigorous testing, and EPA Regulations were discussed. There are many studies noted that heavy metals do not leach, and discussed testing that is done on the products being spread. Responding to questions posed by Chairwoman Kondylis relative to how far the odors permeate, Mr. Grey explained the factors, and noted that disking does help with the odors.

Tom Stewart, Suisun, noted he applied biosolids in 1994/1995 to over 500 acres, the application was successful, and soils in the area are sometimes low in nutrients and need amending. As long as the applications are done per County code, Mr. Stewart feels it is safe to use. The smell can be a problem, we will be disking the product in this time, and setting aside additional land as a buffer away from the Bretthauer's home. Duncan McCormack III, Rio Vista, noted he has been using biosolids for about 5 years, and noted the great benefits and increased weights for livestock. Mr.McCorrnick feels the product is safe and is comfortable with the application, and supports the practice.

lan Anderson noted he has used biosolids successfully on poor soils, recommended continued observation of the County Code to see if there are areas that can be improved. Mr. Anderson's wife was greatly bothered by the odors from the biosolids, requested more information on soil sampling by the County, and noted the recommendation relative to sampling by the Farm Bureau should be done.

Mr. Kalison noted the County random samplings of the biosolids that are being spread, and further explained the process. There have been no metals exceeding the limits, and the technical section of the Department of Environmental Management reviews the samples.

Responding to questions posed by Supervisor Kromm regarding testing, record keeping, dissemination of that information, and site registration, Mr. Kalison noted the annual report to the Board on those statistics, and summary of the program. Ms. Corsello noted that identified samples that were contrary to the profile as specified would be the only samples specifically poilited out to the Board, and noted requirements of data collecting and reporting.

Responding to questions posed by Supervisor Thomson relative to testing livestock that has grazed or been fed from bio solids amended fields, Ms. Corsello, noted the County does not do any sampling of products coming off the fields, there are recommendations relative to planting and grazing on them.
BARBARA R. KONDYLIS, Chairwoman