Agenda - 05-21-1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 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 closely with the farmers and may be able to help with solving some of the problems and bring them to the attention of OWASA. Mr. Billingsley stated that OWASA had worked very closely with the former Director but had not contacted Bill Mainous. Commissioner Marshall indicated that Mr. Mainous would be a very good contact with the farmers and their immediate problems as they come up. Commissioner Marshall also asked if any attempt had been made to contact the 82 people who had signed the petition to notify them of the Public Hearing and Billingsley noted that it would have been a good idea but that no attempt was made. Commissioner Carey asked about a policy for the application of sludge in i the County and Billingsley indicated that no policy had been needed. Chris Walker noted that he attended several meetings with regard to this concern and no response from OWASA had been received. Raymond Kirby expressed concern about bacteria in his neighbor's pond and noted the pond had to be drained for the contamination to be cleared up. Billingsley noted that on January 23, 1985, Mr. Hartley received a letter from Mr. Atkins about the lack of signs, runoff of the sludge, monitoring wells not used, etc. and was informed that investigation revealed there was no improper application of the sludge and no contamination caused by runoff. Hartley responded that the sites were investigated during a dry period instead of during the period when the problem would be expected to happen. One of the basic problems has been the lack of communication and lack of response to the concerns of the citizens. J. T. Thompson emphasized that sludge was applied right after a rain. He j attempted to call Ron Williams, but Williams did not respond. The problem seems to be before or after a rain. Joe Smith asked Mr. Billingsley about the benefit to the farmer and ask for the number of farmers who benefit. Billingsley indicated that seven have participated in the program. Smith questioned the benefits with only seven in the program.