This sounds like the kind of national business that George W. Bush might run after he leaves office.
A company that spreads processed human waste from New York on north Alabama farmland has agreed to make changes after complaints about strong odors.Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks and officials of Synagro Technologies talked Friday and both sides then issued statements about the planned changes.
Sparks said the officials of the Houston-based company had assured him “they will no longer distribute the fertilizer on pasture land.” Where it is spread, it will be worked into the dirt instead of being placed on top of the soil.
The company said it will continue going to the most remote locations for applications and will make deliveries just before application to reduce odor concerns. It also plans to alter transportation routes to avoid populated areas and schools.
Synagro Technologies has a contract to dispose of human wastes from New York. The company, which operates with approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, treats sludge from wastewater plants in New York and ships it to Alabama by rail car. The sludge is treated at a plant in Leighton, then offered at no charge to farmers in Limestone County to fertilize their fields.
About 40 farmers have signed up and more are on a waiting list.
The spreading of the fertilizer has drawn opposition from the Limestone County Commission and complaints from neighbors.
Meanwhile, Commission Chairman David Seibert said Friday he will meet next week with Synagro officials.
“We have a meeting set up with them Thursday,” Seibert said. “Hopefully, something can be worked out at that time.”
Commissioners voted Wednesday to seek an injunction to stop the spread of the human wastes on Limestone County farmland as fertilizer. Seibert is in the process of seeking that injunction in Limestone County Circuit Court.
Residents in the Goodsprings area of Northwest Limestone County complained two weeks ago that the sludge being spread on farmland there has created an unbearable odor.