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BACWA Biosolids Workshop June 2, 2008 Biosolids Update and Issues

BACWA Biosolids Workshop June 2, 2008 Biosolids Update and Issues Greg Kester, CASA Biosolids Mgr. Associated Press Articles. Year long effort by two writers Interviewed many on both sides of recycling Appeared to those interviewed to have an agenda

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BACWA Biosolids Workshop June 2, 2008 Biosolids Update and Issues

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  1. BACWA Biosolids Workshop June 2, 2008 Biosolids Update and Issues Greg Kester, CASA Biosolids Mgr.

  2. Associated Press Articles • Year long effort by two writers • Interviewed many on both sides of recycling • Appeared to those interviewed to have an agenda • Articles appeared March 12 & April 13

  3. Georgia Court Decision • Subject of first AP article • Federal Judge overturned earlier USDA decision • Awarded a “Prevented Planting” subsidy • Discounted research and arguments by DOJ • Accepted farmers “research”

  4. Lead Remediation Research • Urban soils have dangerously high lead concentrations • No program in place for remediation • Johns Hopkins, KKI, USDA, Others under HUD grant • Use biosolids compost in poor Baltimore neighborhood • Showed ~ 65% reduction in Pb bio-availability • Similar results in East St. Louis

  5. AP Article Attacks Pb Study’s • Claim research targeted poor African-Americans • Implies toxic “sludge” was thrust upon the innocent • Implies research is similar to Tuskegee experiment • Must understand that children were highly exposed to dangerous Pb levels • Research showed greatly reduced risk and improved quality of life

  6. AP Story Follow-up • USDA chose not to appeal Court decision • Arguments will be held to decide subsidy award • Johns Hopkins and KKI vigorously defend research • Lead author removed from further articles – mea culpa? • Consideration being given to joint statement by many stakeholders

  7. Sen Boxer may hold EPW Hearings • CASA met with her staff in Camarillo and at DC Conference • May hold Hearing on Biosolids • Expect both AP subjects as topics • CASA provided requested data to her staff • Great opportunity to set record straight – IF!!

  8. Biosolids Cross-Media Roundtable • Held May 16th in Sacramento • Good Representation Water, Waste, Air, AD, RWQB • Presented 3 examples – SJAD 4565; SCAD 1133.2; SCAD 1110.2 • Excellent dialogue and candor • Fed and State law blamed, in part, for silo approach

  9. 2008 CASA Biosolids Survey • Last survey completed in 1998 • Sent to ~ 200 POTW’s & Contractors in CA • Provide data on treatment, quality, end use, quantity, regulatory framework, and obstacles • Data review under way • Will produce report

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