Inflammatory statements and unfounded claims fuel much of the nationwide opposition to land-applied biosolids. Committed adversaries treat fallacies published on the Internet as gospel, while rejecting reputable studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Water Environment Federation and other notable agencies.
While pumpers wonder where to dispose of their loads, many regulatory officials have tried every possible educational approach to turn the tide. Lacking results, they are resorting to courtrooms. For example, Evergreen Septic of Seaview, Wash., received a permit from the state Department of Ecology to spread biosolids on 80 acres of pasture.
After receiving complaints from some residents, the Wahkiakum
