SLUDGE VICTIMS

Prepared by: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Bureau of Environmental Health
Under Cooperative Agreement with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry
Preparer of Report: Chuck Warzecha,
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family
Services (608) 267-3732

EXCERPTS:
Page (1)
"This consultation provides an assessment of the public health issues related to the land application of waste sludge on the Property of Mr. Vinton Anderson in Whitewater Township, of Walworth County. Sample analysis of the waste material did not identify chemicals at levels that would be a health concern from either direct contact with soils or breathing the air at the sludge spreading location."

"However, the resulting air quality is as much a function of the method of application as the content of the sludge. Under some conditions the compounds produced from decay of this sludge can cause significant odors."

"These same compounds can cause nausea and eye, nose and throat irritation if they become concentrated. The conditions and method under which the sludge was spread played a significant role in the intensity and duration of the odors."

"The wastes included grease sludges from a variety of sources including meat processors. "Off-Spec.", packaged foods were also disposed including vegetables, cat food, dairy products, baby formula, soda, and others."

"Odor complaints and health concerns were raised by residents adjacent to, or very close to the land application area."