SLUDGE VICTIMS

MARI: "I mean obviously, it's not right to apply this kind of human feces next to where people live."

(PICTURE is shown of Class B sludge being dumped in pasture with cattle in it, near her house in DeSoto County, in violation of EPA 30-day grazing rule.)

"My son developed a respiratory problem and finally, after about a year of battling, not knowing exactly what was causing it, and the rest of us, our throats were burning, also......

(Mari says the rest of her statement about how her children also developed Rotavirus, was cut off.)

DR. LEWIS: "in some cases some people have actually died associated with these symptoms".
"Not only is human waste in sludge, but industrial wastes are included as well.
And when the material is processed, often times they add lime and other chemicals to it.
Typically we see people complaining about not only are they getting sick, but their pets are dying."

PATRICK COMER: "The disposal of sewage sludge is governed by EPA Rule 503 which was passed in 1993.
But Dr. Lewis says the EPA's rule was quickly called into question."

DR. LEWIS: "The National Academy of Sciences looked at the science behind sludge in 1996, and even then concluded that the federal rule was probably not protective of public health when it comes to pathogens or disease causing microorganisms."