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000079 County should assume responsibility for overseeing the application of sludge via the special use permit or other process. Dr. Gordon stated that citizens from Bingham Township expressed concerns about the future use of tracts that have been 'purchased by OWASA for the disposition and use of sludge and also expressed concerns about possible health hazards created by the existing sludge application. A petition presented by the residents is in the permanent agenda file. Dr. Gordon noted that Michael Hartley, Sr. presented to the Planning Board a document from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency entitled Finding of No Significant Impact- which referred to the Weyerhauser tract and determines whether a proposed agency action will significantly affect the environment. Dr. Gordon read from this document: Section D. Paragraph 1 and line 1 of paragraph 2 -The purpose of this project is to provide the most cost effective site/method of sludge disposal for the Mason Farm wastewater treatment plant. Sludge from the plant is presently being disposed of by spreading on nine privately owned agricultural sites totalling 443 acres in southwestern Orange and northern Chatham County. Privately owned application sites are not always available because of inclement weather, crop harvesting, crop growing, and grazing schedules. Because of these limitations, OWASA needs to develop the capability to manage and dispose of sludge during periods when it is not desirable or there are conflicts with the landowner's use of the site. The purchase of the proposed 59.95 acre site would give OWASA the capability to dispose of sludge in an orderly manner. At present plant loading conditions, there have been periods extending for 30 to 45 days when the privately--owned sites have been unavailable for sludge disposal." Dr. Gordon pointed out that Section F states There would be some limited environmental impacts associated with preparing and operating the site." Also, Section G states `Although other public hearings were held on the original 201 facilities plan, selection of a sludge land application site occurred after the initial public hearings. The various alternatives were addressed and the selection of the proposed site has not caused any public opposition.` The Planning Board suggested that the Board of Commissioners consider the undertaking of a study to determine if the County wants to assume an oversight or develop other procedures under which sludge application operations would be approved and conducted. Dr. Gordon suggested that a definition of a bonafide farm be determined and that the staff investigate the question of special use permit or other local oversight process. Commissioner Marshall expressed appreciation for the information being brought to the Board as the sludge application is something significant in relation to growth impacts. Solutions need to be worked out that will help people feel comfortable with what is happening. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Hartley, Jr. defined sludge as the residue in the processing of sewage materials and noted that the materials have toxic dangers associated