Pollution Information Newsletter
A monthly Review on the Pollution of the environment December 2005/Vol. I Issue 4
PIN, PO Box 9871, Richmond, VA 23228
Administrator's note:
There are upward of 76 million cases of disease caused food poisoning cases with an estimated 5 to 9 thousand
deaths annually in the United States. EPA and many states like Virginia are using the self-implementing federal
authorization (part 503) to violate the federal environmental laws (RCRA & CWA) and promote the use of disease
and chemical contaminated sewage sludge/biosolids as a fertilizer for farm produced food crops, lawns and gardens,
parks and forest. Without this self-implementing federal authorization to spread death, disease and cancer among
the population, removal credits for ten toxic metals could not be issued to companies who release these pollutants
into treatment plants.
EPA and States claim sludge is treated to reduce disease causing organisms to a maximum of two billion fecal
coliform (E. coli) per kilogram of Class B sludge and one million fecal coliform (E. coli for Class A
sludge/biosolids. There is no treatment to reduce toxic metals (inorganic chemicals) or toxic organic chemicals, which
are concentrated in the sludge during treatment of sewage.
Essential, the self-implementing federal authorization is a permit to poison our food crops, poison our lawns and
gardens, poison our parks and forest, kill anyone who come in contact with the material called sludge/biosolids. The
sludge disposal contractors are simply a tool of the government which promotes a taxpayer funded bioterrorism
program against its own people. Virginia is a good example of how the bioterrorism program works.
Excerpt from PIN Newsletter
VIRGINIA SLUDGE VICTIMS
VIRGINIA'S ENVIRONMENT: With 380,000+ acres permitted to receive sludge/biosolids pollution and over 70,000
acres sludged per year (89,000+ in 2003; 79,000+ in 2004), Virginia is a cesspool for its neighboring states (MD, NC,
DE) plus the major quantity tonnage being imported from NJ and NY. This is in addition to the waste coming via
barges being transported on our waterways.
[AP: 11/28/05, Reports a barge with 1 million gallons of asphalt ran aground and leaked 8,400 gallons of 270-degree
asphalt into the James River. The spill is reported to be the size of a foot ball field closing a mile-long section of the
river.] What are the environmental impacts? Will we ever know to what extent, even after "clean up"? It is not incorrect
to note that accidents do happen and leaking toxic waste will cause environmental damages. It is questionable if the
waste-leaks are monitored or if $1.00 per ton is adequate for "clean up" costs. Has VDH/DEQ/DWE/EPA lost the
concept of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? While "reactions" to damages are necessary, shouldn't
there be "preventative" measures taken in the handling and disposal of pollutants?
Is shipping waste via barges a catastrophe waiting to happen or is it a current pollution problem? How cas Virginians
know if inspections are not done or facts are hidden from the public? What will be the ultimate costs to Virginians
when the truths are made known?
With the lax inspections by VDH/DEQ/EPA, the known degree of environmental pollution in Virginia has been hidden.
Those who are aware fear this to be in excess of thousands of acres and millions of species, if the truth were known.
The Chesapeake Bay is a prime example of the uncontrollable pollution and expense of attempted clean up; however,
cleaning up the James River, No Name River (Chester), Piney River (Amherst), beaches and more, are other
examples where pollution has been allowed to the extent of desecration and the years of effort to attempt to restore
the sites. Is any site ever restored to its original quality?
VIRGINIA'S ECONOMY: Virginians unable to work, due to sludge/biosolids causing illness, paying less taxes while
incurring additional financial medical burdens; $700,000+ biosolids program operating cost is a loss each year to
Virginians as the waste industry does not compensate the expense and no expense recovery regulation is in effect;
Counties that have had to use social program tax revenue for defending "protective" ordinances; Virginia fishing
industry having to expend extra capital and effort venturing far away from dead zone sites, in order to fish; Virginia
farmers that cannot sell "organic" crops grown in sludge/biosolids amended soils; Clean up costs for Superfund and
Brownfield sites; Virginians' tax revenue to support VDH/DEQ/Waste Industry's traveling-promotions of
sludge/biosolids use in Virginia (promotional staff ranges from 2 to six, incorporating high paid [excess of $100,000+
salaries] (VDH/DEQ Directors, Academic, LDH Directors and Waste Industry Representatives); Virginians cannot
enjoy fishing, hunting, beaches and other recreational waters due to the allowed pollution contamination; Local
businesses that have lost sales revenue and State taxes due to foul odors from sludge/biosolids sites driving away
customers, ETC, ETC., ETC.
Virginians affected by Land application of sLudge/biosollds (short List)
LOUISA COUNTY RESIDENTS:
For many years there have been sporadic reports of Citizens' health and property being adversely affected by the
land application of sludge/biosolids. Most were unsuspecting and those who did ask for investigations were dismissed
as "physiological" complaints. Here are facts that are more than anecdotal:
KATHRYN JACKSON, 80+, widow, lifetime farmer: could not visit her garden due to the horrific odors from the FIVE
(5) SLUDGE/BIOSOLIDS LAND APPLICATIONS MADE WITHIN ONE (1) MILE RADIUS WITH THOUSANDS OF TONS
APPLIED.
ROBIN COSBY, lifelong resident, surviving cancer patient on chemotherapy, asked VDH to investigate odors and
test "awful-tasting well water." Several residents asked VDH to investigate the odors that lasted MORE THAN FIVE (5)
MONTHS. VDH REFUSED!!
PATTY AND GARY SHANKS, 40's, property owners, both became ill during sludge/biosolids application to the point
of vomiting.
ROY MALLORY, lifelong farmer, 60's, nose burning and eyes watering during the course of five (5) months from
initial sludge/biosolids application.
ALMA MALLORY, life long resident and farmer, 60's, experienced several attacks of asthma exacerbated by
sludge/biosolids application across the road of her home, several increased doctor visits were costly to her limited
income.
JIM LEAR, retired WWII VET, 70's, became ill from sludge/ biosolids application across the road.
Physician Report: Dr. Alex Rizk, Med. Assoc. of Louisa County, " Mr. Lear is suffering from a skin rash and pruritus
which appears to be secondary to exposure to sludge being placed in the pastures next to his home. Medications
have helped his skin rash, however, he continues to have pruritus secondary to exposure. If at all possible the patient
should avoid any future exposures to sludge." When called, VDH refused an investigation.
JUNE BRYANT discovered that her mother, in her 80's and suffering with Alzheimer's disease, had been illegally
coerced into signing a permission for the renter to apply sludge/biosolids on her farm land. June has "power of
attorney" and lives away from the farm. Her mother's caretaker reported the sludge/biosolids dumping. I assisted her
in writing Sec. Claude Alien, SHHR, who removed the illegal permit from the biosolids program. However, the
sludge/biosolids applicator nor the renter removed any sludge applied. In addition, June reportedly spent $1,500+ for
vet-medical bills on her dog that was subjected to the toxins in the applied sludge.
AMY WARE had to keep her two children inside for three (3) days after a sludge/biosolids application.
CHILDREN had to cover their mouths while waiting for school buses; could not ride bikes after school due to horrific
and lingering odors, some suffered with asthma attacks, clothes had to be washed due to infiltrating odors.
NANCY ELMORE, 50's, school bus driver, reports being run off the back roads by sludge/biosolids truck haulers
(speeding confirmed by Synagro, Inc., [sludge/biosolids hauler/applicator] Regional V. P,), she suffered several nasal
and respiratory issues when having to drive her bus route through as many as twelve (12) sludge/biosolids
application sites, she was never told nor were the children's' parents told of the dangers and health risks from
sludge/biosolids exposure, she was never advised by the School Board of the sludge/biosolids application site
locations (the school administrators never re-routed the school bus course to avoid sludge/biosolids exposure to
drivers or the children). It is not known how many children experienced sickness nor to what extent as no survey or
report was conducted .
It is not the position for PIN to give the Citizens legal advice concerning a Class Action Suit. They should, if they wish, consult an
attorney for legal advice and assistance in recouping damages of property loss and for pain and suffering. PIN will, of course, make
all documents available to any parties in a Class Action Suit.
Glen Elmore, 50's, retired veteran, currently government employee, experienced stomach problems and watery eyes
when passing the sludge sites while driving to Washington, DC every work day.
AMBER GIBSON, 20's, suffers from asthma attacks exacerbated from sludge/biosolids applications. Daughter
Mekala, suffered from RSV, on asthma medication, eyes running, daily prescribed oxygen, on steroids currently after
sludge/biosolids application. Son, 3, asthma attacks every night since sludge/biosolidsjjpplication. Mother was never
told that sludge was being put down or any risk advisement; therefore, no way to protect her family from the eventual
harmful health effects..
CHARLES SMITH, 80'S, 24-hour prescribed oxygen medication, previous ill effects from sludge/biosolids (known by
VDH, Synagro, Inc. and Schick Farm owners), last application was within 700 feet of his home with no prior notification
(VDH confirmation doc.).
LOUISA RIVERS, LAKES AND STREAMS with elevated fecal coliform in Lake Anna as well as Gold Mine Creek (doc.) Waterways
bordered by Madison County, Spotsylvania County and Louisa County leading into the Chesapeake Bay. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
ARE AWARE OF ODOR AND WATERWAY POLLUTION; TO DATE NO PREVENTIVE ACTIONS.
RAY HARLOW, farmer landowner, business owner, has observed for years the runoff and road drag-out of
sludge/biosolids., has taken actual witnessed picture of sludge on State roads, VDH has ignored reports, pictures and
offered excuses to minimize waste industry littering occurrences (doc.)
WILLIAM SMALL, owner of Small Country Camp Grounds, experienced loss of business from sludge/biosolids odors
emitting from site application 1/2 mile away (Three week-paid campers had to be refunded), Louisa merchants lost
tourist money, State lost tax revenue.
MAE BREEDON, 80's, widow living alone, on prescribed oxygen with respiratory issues, was accosted by
sludge/biosolids truck haulers with vulgar remarks and indecent finger gestures because she stood up before the
Board of Supervisors and reported the speed and dust created in front of her home (allegations confirmed by
Synagro, Inc., Reg. VP [doc.]), also confirmed by County Code Enforcement Officer with documents in the County
Attorney's Office, along with pictures of trash thrown in front of Ms Breedon's home. MAE HAS PASSED ON, BUT
SHE HAS LEFT A LEGACY THAT WILL NOT DIE...YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO FIGHT INJUSTICE
REGARDLESS OF WHAT CONSEQUENCES THE VIOLATORS MAY HURL AT YOU!
HER STAND IS AN INSPIRATION TO PIN AND HER INTESTINAL FORTITUDE WILL BE CARRIED AS A BANNER FOR
JUSTICE AGAINST THE TYRANNY OF INJUSTICE! VIRGINIA'S FLAG AND MOTTO IS INDICATIVE OF MAE.
MANY OTHERS NOT RECORDED.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY RESIDENTS:
LILIAN REED, 80's, bedridden widow, had previous sludge/biosolids application ill effects, VDH ignored complaints
(supported by physician's letter) and permitted additional application within 150 feet of her home and 65 feet from her
drinking well. When I contacted VDH/OES on behalf of Ms Reed, they refused to abate the proposed application site.
After the community rallied, physician reports and a threat to sue was initiated, the site permit was withdrawn (it took
five [5] months of weekly contact with the Governor, SHHR, LHD, VDH, OES and others before VDH "asked"
Nutri-Blend, Inc., if they would please consider not putting the sludge/biosolids so close to the community homes).
There is more to this story:
I called for an investigation due to Mr. Phil Inman's cancer condition, Ms Donna Groseclose's previous sludge/biosolids caused
illness to her Arabian Horse (Mare to fold), Ms. Reed, Ms. Ross and a vast number of children who had suffered from previous
sludge/ biosolids applications. When VDH-LHD director Dr. Levine investigated, he did not do a community survey along the
sludge/biosolids road site. He was apparently directed to only investigate the complaints that I had submitted.
MR. AVERY AND MR. COOK, both with previous ill effects from previous sludge/biosolids applications, lived NEXT
DOOR to Ms. Reed. They were not investigated. However, both were on their death beds suffering from respiratory
diseases and kidney failure. Both died while the decision to stop the sludge/biosolids application was being made by
Nutri-Blend since VDH reported that VDH could not stop the application, therefore the applicator had control (doc.). It
is not a stretch to know that had the sludge/biosolids application not been stopped, the last breath drawn by Mr.
Avery and Mr. Cook would be filled with the foul odors permeating the County by Nutri-Blend, Inc. What a way to die.
CLYDE GARRETT, 60's, suffering from sinus issues and on prescribed medication, continues to be affected by the
sludge/biosolids odors that permeate the County and from across the road, his outside activities and driving has
been limited due to ill affects from the odors.
GENE EVANS, lifelong resident of the county, devoted father and grandparent, had sludge/biosolids application
applied right on his property line, clothes had to be washed, wife became ill and grandchild (6 months) had to be
admitted to the emergency room (at the Evans' medical expense) (doc.)
CONNIE ROSS, 50's, registered nurse for a Richmond medical specialist, suffers from cancer and various
operations, her doctor stated that any exposure to sludge would settle in her lungs and most probably cause her
demise. Connie and several children in the household were affected by previous sludge/biosolids applications and
are suffering from asthma.
NOTTAWAY COUNTY RESIDENTS:
WILLIAM 'TED' AMOS, 60's, worked as supervisor in the local waste water treatment plant, contracted Leukemia and
underwent months of hospital chemotherapy treatments; when released from the hospital, his son told him of a small
sign erected less than 100 feet of Ted's home that sludge/biosolids would be applied on land owned by a timber
company. His loving wife, Annie, started a petition and held steadfast in her resolve to protect her husband. She
succeeded in getting the application temporarily stopped (VDH and LHD stated that neither had authority to abate the
application and that it was under the control of the sludge/biosolids applicator [doc]).
LOUDOUN COUNTY RESIDENTS:
BARBARA RUBIN, 50's, experienced severe health issues from sludge/biosolids applications along with hundreds of
residents. (PIN will only list those with signed testimonial statements)., VDH refused to conduct an air-sampling when
Citizen reports were made, she reports continued ill health issues from the sludge/biosolids application.
DR. WILLIAM MALEERY, PhD in physics, suffered eye watering and bleeding from the eyes when accosted by the
odors from sludge/ biosolids applications. Attempted to get medical assistance, even Johns Hopkins University, but
was told that they did not know the content nor health-effects from sludge/biosolids applications.
JACK AND GLORIA RICKEL, landowners experienced their private pond polluted by runoff from an adjacent farm
applied with sludge/ biosolids. Contacted VDH and was told they would not test. Jack employed an environment
service to test his pond and determine what had caused the fish kill. The determination was high copper levels with a
series of harmful chemicals in the sludge/biosolids runoff. After the run around by Blue Plains (Washington, DC
sludge source), VDH and the applicator; Jack sued and won his suit.
FRANK LAMBERT, businessman, farmer and former county supervisor experienced several issues with
sludge/biosolids application runoff. His son became ill, Frank's drinking well (sealed) became polluted, his fence was
eroded by the sludge/biosolids.. VDH refused to test well or investigate the deaths of Frank's cattle cause by the
eating of sludge-grown hay.
FREDERIC COUNTY RESIDENTS:
MR. DIDAWICK, returned home after open heart surgery. His son noticed a sign that sludge/biosolids was to be
applied across the road. I was called to assist. I notified Dr. Stroube, Commissioner of Health, and the VDH of Mr.
Didawicks' condition and prescribed medication. Mr. Jeff Lake, Asst. Commissioner of Health, responded that it was
up to Synagro, Inc., to withdraw from the application site, even though the Didawick family had previous ill affects from
sludge/applications. Mr. Lake also provided a conference call between himself, Dr. Helenjartis (LHD director), Mr. Bob
Hicks (OES director) and myself. During the conversation, I related several citizens with adverse affects from previous
applications and emphasized the recent open heart surgery of Mr. Didawick. Dr. Helenjartis recommended a 400 foot
buffer between the application site and Mr. Didawick's home. I emphasized that there was no known medical nor
scientific study to support a minimal distance as protective from sludge/ biosolids harmful pollution content. THE
APPLICATION OF SLUDGE WAS PERMITTED! In addition to the application of sludge/biosolids, the hauling trucks
tracked sludge/biosolids from the site onto Mr. Didawick's driveway (pic. doc.) and % mile up the road. So much for
VDH's monitoring or protection for the Citizens of Virginia (doc.)?
RESIDENT, reports sludge runoff invades his backyard; video evidence shows sludge/biosolids tracked in driveway
within 25 feet of drinking water well. Odor reported to remain up to a year after previous application.
HELEN FLOWERS, recent heart surgery, widow living alone, has complained to Supervisors and presented petitions,
all to no avail. She has contacted the LHD director but has gotten no support for her concerns. She has documented
the violations by the sludge/biosolids applicators (pic.)
LINDA MESSICK, with two (2) near death experiences from two (2) previous sludge/biosolids applications, now lives
in fear of her life. Though she has records of emergency hospital admittances, letter from her attending physicians
and a letter from an attorney which documents Linda's medical history and the allergic reactions to sludge/biosolids
content, these have been ignored by VDH. Prior to the last sludge/biosolids application, VDH Central Office (Mr. Jeff
Lake) and LHD (Dr. Diane Helenjartis) were notified as to the proposed sludge/biosolids application near Linda's
home. Conveniently, they were both inaccessible and the sludge/biosolids application WAS PERMITTED!
IS THERE ANY QUESTION AS TO CONFIDENCE IN VDH'S ACTION WHEN THIS IS DOCUMENTED? Who is the VDH administration
working for? Certainly not Virginians that are paying taxes and expecting VDH staff to do their job (.02% routine inspections is not
doing the job nor is allowing pollution to be applied near immune-compromised Virginians doing its job).
PHIL AND DIANA HAINES, business people operating their tax services from their home, were both affected by the
odors and content of sludge/biosolids. Headaches, rash, stomach disorder and watering eyes were experienced. No
notice of previous applications were given; no risk or content information has been provided. VDH was adised of
previous ill affects from sludge application, yet sludge/biosolids WAS PERMITTED.
JESSIE SULLIVAN, experienced several bouts of sore and raspy throat. Jessie's UVA heart surgeon issued a letter
that her heart transplant and medication would subject her to potential health issues if exposed to sludge/biosolids
applied near her home and stated that she should not be exposed. VDH ignored this information and allowed the
sludge/biosolids application near her home. Jessie's daughter also experienced ill health affects.
ALL DOCUMENTS, VIDEOS, PICTURES, AND SIGNED TESTIMONIALS CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE TO
INTERESTED PARTIES. THOUGH A VIDEO COPY HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH
FOR VIEWING, NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO CONFIRM OR DISAFIRM THE EVIDENCE. NO ACTION, NO
REPORT; THEREFORE, NO RECORDS OF SLUDGE/BIOSOLIDS ILL HEALTH ISSUES (VDH'S MO).
THE VIRGINIA BOARD OF HEALTH CHAIRMAN HAS CONSISTENTLY DENIED AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT
THE VIDEO CITIZEN TESTIMONIALS (IPO-2) TO THE COLLECTIVE BOARD. CITIZENS ARE ALLOWED TWO (2)
MINUTES EACH, TWENTY (20) MINUTES TOTAL TO ADDRESS THE BOARD (BOH POLICY INSTITUTED AFTER
DR. LANIER BECAME CHAIRMAN)
PUBLISHER'S COMMENTS: Folks, this is undoubtedly the most difficult issue that I have had to write. How does one
project the hurt derived from legislators who abandoned the trusting friends that gave money, time and campaign
support, to get them elected?; How can one reflect the betrayal of trust from the VDH that refused to consider the
communities' health and is assisting the waste industry against Virginians?; How can one explain the feeling of
loneliness when government agencies either turn their back or refuse to investigate the facts as reported by the
Citizens who were harmed by forcible exposure to sludge pollution?
Unless you are affected by harmful sludge/biosolids contents , it is obvious you are not aware of the intense pain and
suffering of fellow Virginians. Its one of those situation where you just had to be there to see: the rash from head to
toe on Jim Lear's body; the disappointment in Helen Flower's eyes from being "let down" by the VDH; the anger
expressed by Phil Haines when he found that he was supporting a government that would allow this to happen to his
wife and himself; the despair of a bedridden African-American widow left to fend for herself; the unbelief in Kathryn
Jackson's eyes when she could not visit her garden because of the odors that lasted for months; the hurt expressed
by a former county supervisor and farmer when he related that VDH knowingly lied to him about testing wells; and the
masses of doctors who are restricted in treating their patients because VDH/DEQ/EPA offers no helpful content
information on sludge.
While reviewing the video statements, it became increasingly more difficult since I had to re-live each
one's testimony and documentations. Remembering the look of abandonment and holding the trembling
hands of those who reached out for help, did have a sobering effect on me. It is exceedingly difficult to
be solely objective and I trust that I never lose that subject-ability to assist them. The facts are here, it is
your decision to help, ignore or remain indifferent.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing".. .Edmund Burke.