Town of Belmont Bans Toxic Sludge

Biosolids are officially banned in the town of Belmont after residents voted for a zoning amendment proposed by the town which prohibits the land application of all biosolids in all zones

March 10, 2010 | Source: Citizen.com | by Harrison Haas

Biosolids are officially banned in the town of Belmont after residents voted for a zoning amendment proposed by the town which prohibits the land application of all biosolids in all zones.

For the past several months, the town heard from both sides of the issue, with those who support the use of biosolids as well as those who are greatly opposed to its use, but ultimately it came down to the voters.

On the town ballot, there were two articles: one proposed by the town and the other petitioned by a resident. The town’s proposed article, which passed, 458-283, called for a prohibition on all uses of biosolids in all town zones and defined the term ‘biosolid’.

The petitioned article failed, 175-552, which would have allowed the land application of biosolids in rural zones, specifying which kinds could be used and also adopting definitions.

In January, planning board members voted to not recommend the petitioned article, which would have adopted state regulations on the spreading of biosolids, after hearing testimony from members of the conservation commission. Local farmers and residents either for or against the proposed amendments also came in to give their two cents during two public hearings and the deliberative session.

Those speaking in support of the amendment banning the material expressed concerns about the health effects of placing the material on the land. Many argued there was not enough study into the potential health hazards of biosolids, which was a main reason the conservation commission did not support the use of biosolids.

Farmers who use biosolids said there have been sufficient studies on the use of Class A biosolids, showing they do not have a negative effect on the land.

Some questioned whether the town should wait before voting on the subject since there are not many statistics readily available.

By state definition, biosolids are “any sludge derived from a sewage wastewater treatment facility that meets the standards for beneficial reuse specified by the department.”

“Sludge,” in this definition, is referred to as the “solid remaining after liquid [is] removed from sewage at wastewater treatment plants” and it includes – but is not limited to – the toxic slurry of industrial, hospital and residential waste.

There are many components of biosolids, ranging from human waste, land runoff and poisons to detergents, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. Biosolids commonly are used as fertilizers, especially in rural areas such as Belmont.

Biosolids are classified into groups with Class A being those with no detectable pathogens and Class B comprising sludge with a reduced level of pathogens.