The exterior of Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus, Ind., pictured, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Mike Wolanin | The Republic
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bartholomew County commissioners are taking steps to ban out-of-county sewage sludge from being imported into the county.
They voted unanimously to instruct county attorney Grant Tucker to start the process of drafting an ordinance that would prevent out-of-county biosolids from being spread on agricultural fields within Bartholomew County.
The commissioners, who said they will provide input into the new ordinance, added the ordinance will also address proper storage.
The announcement was made Monday as the Indiana Department of Environmental Management considers a request from Evan Daily of Biocycle LLC to accept dewatered biosolids for blending and use on farmland in Bartholomew and several neighboring counties. Biosolids are organic materials produced during the treatment of human sewage at wastewater treatment plants.
Dozens of local residents including officials with Otter Creek Golf Course and CERAland Park have expressed concerns about the proposed facility. Their worries range from the possible adverse environmental effects to the impact of the smell that the facility could generate on nearby residences and recreational activities.
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
