SLUDGE VICTIMS

ALAN BEHRENS: "Well, DeSoto County has become probably the biggest dumping ground in the state."

PATRICK COMER: "Alan Behrens leads a group of citizens who say the pristine beauty of DeSoto County is quickly being destroyed by virtually uncontrolled dumping of Class B sludge onto private pasture lands."

ALAN BEHRENS: "It comes from the east coast. It comes from Miami. It comes from St Petersburg, and it's not right that people who live in DeSoto County should have to suffer the consequences of it. Groundwater pollution, health hazards as far as drinking water. It becomes airborne when it is dry."

DR. LEWIS: "What needs to be done is stronger federal and state regulations that only allow Class A, exceptional quality sludge."

PATRICK COMER: "And that is exactly what DeSoto County Commissioners are looking at doing. They'll vote soon on whether to prohibit the dumping of Class B sludge.

Question: "It's legal now to dump Class B sludge?"

PATRICK COMER: "Yes ... although there are numerous restrictions ... which opponents say are too liberal ... and are not being followed. But Dr. Lewis says the federal rule is being looked at, so that in the near future... "Class B" sludge will have to be treated to the safer "Class A" standards before being dumped."