Sludge Fertilizer Program Spurs Concerns

By JOHN HEILPRIN and KEVIN S. VINEYS, Associated Press Writers, Space & Earth science / Environment

Chris Peot shows biosolids, applied to a farm, in Mitchells, Va., Wednesday, June 6, 2007. No one can say exactly what is in sludge. It's a constantly changing brew of human, commercial, hospital and industrial wastes. The primary organic ingredient is human excrement, which proponents say makes sludge a useful fertilizer. Critics worry about the metals and pathogens that remain. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

(AP) -- Scientists using federal grants spread fertilizer made from human and industrial wastes on yards in poor, black neighborhoods to test whether it might protect children from lead poisoning in the soil. Families were assured the sludge was safe and were never told about any harmful ingredients.

Content from The Associated Press expires 15 days after original publication date. For more information about The Associated Press, please visit www.ap.org .

ť Next Article in Space & Earth science - Environment: Philly Officials to Address H20 Quality

would you recommend this story?

User Rating

4.7 out of 5 after 9 total votes

not at all
1
2
3
4
5
highly

Leave a Comment or

Flag

Posted by bfreewithrp 04/14/08 08:17

Rank: 3/5 after 1 vote

This tells you that your yard refuse has value. Most of us PAY to dispose of it. What waste...
http://www.gomest...gs.23855
Gold is in Those Yard Cleanup Bags