Deadline: Sunday September, 2nd.
Tell them to toughen permit requirements for the land application of biosolids!
The Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) is proposing revisions to the General Permits that cover biosolids/sewage sludge and how we apply them on land. We need many people and organizations from throughout PA to submit written comments to DEP and to demand public hearings be added to expand public input.
Delaware Riverkeeper Network has suggested points in a sample comment that we are offering for your consideration and also background information with references to published reports and studies that you can use to craft a more extensive comment. PADEP is proposing to make changes to 4 topics in the 3 General Permits for the land application of sewage sludge/biosolids. The proposed revisions move us towards limiting the release of dangerous pollutants and the resulting harmful health and environmental impacts, but they do not go far enough – PA can do better, let’s tell them how.
- Sewage sludge, processed into “biosolids”, is allowed to be applied on land in PA but data shows pollution is occurring as a result.
- The runoff and leachate from biosolids can contaminate groundwater, surface water, soil, air, and crops/farm products.
- People and animals are being exposed to toxic and dangerous contamination. We need protection from this pollution in the Commonwealth; the proposed permits need to be toughened to do that.
The Proposed Changes of the General Permits in question are:
- PAG-07 General Permit for Beneficial use of EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY BIOSOLIDS (DRAFT) 3850-PM-BCW0339
- PAG-08 General Permit for Beneficial use of BIOSOLIDS (DRAFT) 3850-PM-BCW0340
- PAG-09 General Permit for Beneficial use of RESIDENTIAL SEPTAGE (DRAFT) 3850-PM-BCW0341
Here are several ways you can submit a comment:
Submit via post mail
DEP Policy Office, Rachel Carson State Office Building,
P.O. Box 2063,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063
Make sure to include reference numbers (above bullet points) in the subject line.
You must include your name and address.
Submit via email to
ecomment@pa.gov
Make sure to include reference numbers (above bullet points) in the subject line.
You must include your name and address.
Submit your comment through PA DEP’s web portal
OR
You can use our easy form and sample letter below to submit a comment to PADEP.
We encourage you to add an personal, introductory statement about yourself and why you care at the top of any comment you submit.
Thank you for taking action!