Sludge Spread: More Than 14,000 Tons of Biosolids Used in 2007

Sludge Spread: More Than 14,000 Tons of Biosolids Used in 2007
By Barry Eberling | DAILY REPUBLIC | March 12, 2008

FAIRFIELD - Eastern Solano County had more treated sewage sludge, also called biosolids, spread across more ranch land as a fertilizer in 2007 than the previous year.

About 14,698 tons of biosolids were spread, a 26 percent increase, a county report stated. The treated sludge was spread across 2,408 acres, a 35 percent increase.

This is just some of the information included in an annual biosolids report received Tuesday by the Solano County Board of Supervisors.

Biosolids proved a controversial issue in 2003 when the county tightened its laws on spreading the material. People packed the board chambers to talk about odors and possible pathogens that might blow from the sludge to neighboring properties and cities.

The National Academies has stated there are no known health hazards posed by biosolids that are handled correctly, although it has also said more research is needed. Also, some ranchers say they are aided by receiving a free source of fertilizer.

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