SLUDGE VICTIMS

July 28, 1996
(sent by) Teresa Hansen, Rt. 1, Box 326, Laurel Hill, Florida 32567 (904) 652-4795

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them that these violations are not occurring, then there is nothing for any of us to worry about. We have also repeatedly asked about Federal rules and regulations regarding incorporation into the soil of waste residuals. This is not ever being done. The residuals are being spread on top of thick grass and that is all. We were told by DEP officials that incorporation was not necessary. In all 503 and 62-640 rules and regulations, it says that waste materials will be incorporated into the soil. Under State rule 62-640.800 1c "Except for Class A residuals, the a p p l i e d m a t e r i a l s h a l l b e i n c o r p o r a t e d into the soil within the same day as a p p I i c a t i o n." S t a t e rule 6 2 - 6 4 0-200 under Definitions (15) quotes-:-,`Incorporation into the soil means the injection of domestic wastewater residuals beneath the surface of the soil, or disking into the soil of surface applied domestic wastewater residuals within 24 hours of application. All of the domestic waste residuals being applied by "Crook Creek Farm- have beenClass B or Class C waste residuals.-John Bowles, an agent with the DEP in Pensacola appears to not be aware of these rules or the meaning of them. Citizens have continually asked him pointedly where the rules state methods of incorporation, and he has repeatedly said that 'Mr. Green of "Crook Creek Farm" does not have to incorporate waste materials into the soil. Many of us have acquired Federal and State rules and regulations on sludge application and have found and reported numerous harmful violations to no avail. All of this has fallen upon deaf ears. At a meeting held with area citizens and John Bowles from the DEP on May 21, 1996, When Citizens asked why bother having these rules and regulations if no one is going to make Mr. Green follow them? Mr. Bowle's reply was "These are precautionary measures, it is kind of like wearing a seat belt in your car. you don't have to wear a seat belt, but, it is a good idea to wear a seat belt in your car". Well, the last I knew, it is the LAW to wear a seat belt in your car, and I feel that if there are State or Federal rules and regulations on the way certain procedures should be done, then this is also considered'areas of laws to be followed. My question is if Mr. Green of "Crook Creek Farm" has been and is breaking rules and regulations and in essence the law, and Mr. John Bowles has and is repeatedly protecting and supporting him in doing this, bringing possible harm to Florida citizens, then if Mr. Green could be held responsible for his actions, could not Mr. Bowles and the DEP be held responsible for not insuring that Mr. Green is following these laws to the letter, and I question, "What motivation would Mr. Bowles and the DEP have in not insuring that Mr. Green meets all of the rules and regulations exactly as written?"

My daughter's home sits in the middle of about 600 acres of what is apparently a sludge application site. They did not know this when they bought their home. No notification was provided to them of what was being spread around them. However, the owner of the farm that applies the sludge did know that people lived there with small children, and he applied the sludge right up to their

FLORIDA - LAUREL HILL - JULY 1996 - CHILDREN INFECTED WITH BLASTOCYSTITIS HOMINUS, A PARASITE ORIGINATING IN HUMAN FECES -- OTHER SLUDGE VICTIMS SUFFER NAUSEA AND DEPRESSION FROM CALLOUS OFFICIAL INDIFFERENCE TO THEIR SUFFERING.