RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Maryland company is asking Virginia regulators to allow it to spread industrial sludge on farmland in several counties.
Baltimore- based Synagro Technologies’ proposal has drawn opposition from some residents and county officials in Goochland, King William and King and Queen counties.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1o5GWh6 ) reports that the State Water Control Board postponed a decision on Synagro’s proposal in June because of public outcry against it. The delay will give the Department of Environmental Quality’s staff more time to review the public comments.
Industrial sludge is left over from some industries’ waste after the material has been treated to reduce pollutants. The sludge can contain heavy metals such as arsenic and lead.
Lorrie Loder with Synagro says sludge products help build soil quality and return nutrients to the soil.
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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com
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