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000081 Edward Johnson, resident in the area, noted a problem in the concentrated application on parcels of land that are located close together and in the watershed. An attempt needs to be made to distribute the materials as widely as possible in Orange County and adjoining counties instead of all in the same watershed. If OWASA thinks the materials are too hazardous to endanger their water suppply, it is too hazardous for the downhill wells of the residents in the area. Lillian Duncan, a Dunham Heir, stated she was informed that houses would be built on the land. She would not have sold the property for sludge disposition. Carl Walters, Vice Chair of the Orange County Planning Board, expressed concern for the health factor and talked about the value of land application and the need for cooperation of everyone involved. The runoff problem must be a prime consideration in this application. He feels the Soil Conservation Office and the County Health Department should be involved in the monitoring of the areas where sludge is disposed. The farmer can benefit from this land application but should not have to pay for soil conservation. Everett Billingsley, Director of OWASA, indicated on a map the seven sites used for disposal of sludge. Three (3) are located in Bingham Township, three (3) in Chapel Hill Township and one (1) in Chatham County. The sludge is more widely dispersed than some may realize. The program is one that is environmentally sound and is closely monitored by the State and inspected periodically by the DEM. He emphasized the cost effectiveness of the program which represents a savings to OWASA of five cents per one thousand gallons of wastewater treated and a savings to the farmer of $40 per acre because of the high yields (two or three times more) and larger crops. It offers an economic benefit to the farming community because of the contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in the sludge plus the addition of one inch of water to the land. The sludge is not applied before or after a thunderstorn. The farmers that have been participating have a very strong endorsement of the program and its benefits. Also the Agricultural Extension Service works very closely with OWASA on the program. The practice is consistent with the EPA policy on recycling and the EPA has offered to underwrite 85% of the capital improvements for recycling. Billingsley stated he feels the practice is consistent with farming activities. He referred to the comments made about the program and stated that although the statements were made in good faith and in all honesty that none are documented by the facts as to the dangers that might be related to the program. He indicated that the petition was answered and that there is no requirement that public notice be given for OWASA to purchase the property. He believes that after the Planning Board Chair reviews the situation she will agree that what OWASA proposes to do with the property is appropriate under the ordinances of the County. The Institute of Government feels that what OWASA is doing is appropriate. It has been a cooperative effort between OWASA and the local farm community. Signs have now been posted on the property which indicate the proposed use of the property. It would be highly unlikely that the sludge application would contaminate a well. He pointed out that the Durham Heirs tract was purchased for a legitimate reason. He feels that statements have been made which are not quite correct. It may smell musty but there is no odor. He invited everyone to visit the sites to see for themselves. Commissioner Marshall referred to the statement that OWASA works very actively with the Agricultural Extension Agency. She asked if OWASA had worked with the local agency and Mr. Bill Mainous, who is the Director, who works very