Here's exactly what she said to Megan Uliana, who was complaining about an unresponsive Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority. "Pack the room. Force them to talk to you. and if they won't, disrupt. Honestly! Let them kick you out again and again, and I honestly wish I could go there."
Under Pennsylvania law, "A person commits a misdemeanor of the third degree if, with intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession or gathering, he disturbs or interrupts it."
As valid as Uliana's complaints might be, that is no excuse for disrupting a public meeting. It was extremely irresponsible for Zrinski to make this suggestion, especially since she herself would suffer no consequences.
What's bothering Uliana? At numerous times over the past year, Plainfield Tp resident Millie Beahn has been before Northampton County Council to complain about Nazareth shit. Contrary to what many of us who live here may think, our shit does stink. What bothers Beahn and other Plainfield Tp residents like Uliana is that we're spreading it there.
In November 2021, Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority bought an 80-plus acre preserved farm in Plainfield Tp for $850,000. It's using it to spread sludge from its waste treatment plant. "Let's be real," said Uliana.. "These guys don't care about farming. They could care less [sic] whether a farmer has a good yield or not so long as they have someone to spread the sludge and farm the land. ... What are we going to do when our preserved farms are literally covered in crap?"
According to Uliana and Beahn, this sludge is a health hazard. I'd like to see something called proof. Scientific proof. Not some peroration by Zrinski or Beahn. On top of that, why do they always come to Northampton County Council, which has no power to do anything?. It's pretty clear to me that Zrinski encourages them behind the scenes even though she knows this has nothing to do with county government.
Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority is an independent state agency. Neither Northampton County nor Nazareth Borough can force this Authority to do anything.
The best advice Uliana received came from Council member John Cusick. Instead of packing the room at the municipal authority, go to Nazareth borough council because borough council appoints the members of the municipal authority. "What you have to do is you have to get involved in the election in the Borough of Nazareth and shame them. Support candidates who will appoint members to this board who can change that and stop this practice. "
Uliana could ask Nazareth residents like myself to hold borough council accountable, which I've done a few times now that I think about it. I've even sued them over the Sunshine Act and actually won.
I have reached out to a member of borough council and will have more to say after speaking to him. It might be refreshing to hear the other side of the story.
That is preferable to breaking the law, as Zrinski suggested.
91 comments:
Not a fan of bigmouth Tara. However, it appears she is just telling them to exercise their rights as American citizens. Trump and and the character Lynch are promoting violence. Non sequitur..
The only way the county might be involved would be if this activity violates the agricultural conservation (farmland preservation) easement. My guess is that it wouldn't as long as the sludge is being applied in compliance with a conservation plan. Concerned citizens could approach the farmland preservation board/staff to ascertain whether or not this is the case.
They have been mischaracterizing this from the beginning. It's not sludge, it's heated and treated biosolid pellets. Sludge is what gets dumped at the grand central landfill and ruins half of Plainfield twp and Pen Argyl boro. But the landfill is no where near this environment warrior's house.
The better advice may be to go to Harrisburg where these laws can be changed. Otherwise, they're up the biolsolid (not sludge) creek
Tara call sign ; "Terra" has been a staunch ally of the E.L.F AND D.G.R for ages, she is a warrior for Gaia and 🌎 goddess who can trigger boomer capitalist planet plunderers like blog author and his scatalogical corniphillic super spreaders
Blu Badger
"Not a fan of bigmouth Tara. However, it appears she is just telling them to exercise their rights as American citizens. Trump and and the character Lynch are promoting violence. Non sequitur.."
I have quoted her. American citizens have free speech rights, but have no right to disrupt public meetings and that's simply bc it interferes with the free speech rights of others. There is no difference between her, Trump or Lynch. All are willing to disrupt meetings to get their way. All three are willing to break the law, especially if they don't have to pay the consequences. This is the antithesis to democratic government.
"They have been mischaracterizing this from the beginning. It's not sludge, it's heated and treated biosolid pellets. "
I have no idea whether it is Class A or B bc Zrinski makes sure Council members ever only hear one side of a story. I'd want to near from Naz Boro Municipal Authority before condemning what they did. After I know, then I'll decide. I am actually more concerned about allegations that people are being denied the right to speak at meetings simply bc they are nonresidents. If that is true, it needs to stop and it will stop. But I don't know that it's true.
Tara is for herself and cronies. Vote her out.
It is one thing to spread treated waste on fields and another to spread waste from sceptic Tanks that is not treated. Yes the people have a right to complain and those in charge have an obligation to listen to those complaints. Think about this.....Your human waste, your old meds, etc., are poured down the drain along with old paints, varnish, cat feces, detergents, poisons, etc etc and these waste materials are sucked out of your tanks untreated and spread on the farm lands. Then the farmer harvests those crops and sell his produce to unsuspecting shoppers. That is why Campbell Soups will not buy tomatoes from farmers who use human waste on their farms. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that your municipality is doing what isbest for you, the citizen they are supposed to represent.
Bernie is A-Ok with rolling over to let Ron and his toadies give the community. A collective Hot Karl, without the brave defenders like Tara and brother Blu we would be awash in feces
While the dour and misguided Choo Choo train blogger jokes about pureed ducklings Bernie laughs about the desecration of our planet with fermented Dookie humanity is doomed
@8:50 BOH.
It is true. One person is allowed to speak on the issue per meeting. 5 minutes max. Then Pierce shuts them down. I've been to a few. He's a rude curmudgeon with no regard for the people of Plainfield Township, their community park or the local residents this will impact.
This smear on Terra's first ammendment exercises are about as repugnant as the Santorum smeared all over Andrew Gillum's hotel room sheets
Pretty clear take by Formosa and Pierce. “Don’t worry, our shit don’t stink.”
That’s why they believe dumping these Class B bio solids next to a community park is a.no-never-mind.
It’s also metaphorically speaking, why they believe using Eminent Domain to take the Seiple property, then turning that “need” into a $53M windfall is just good business. It’s unethical and sickening what the NBMA thinks of the commoner people of the area. Looking down on rural America every chance they get.
I agree that both boro council and the municipal authority have an obligation to listen, even if the comments come from noncitizens. There is caselaw on this point. These officials can limit repetitive and redundant speakers, but must allow them to speak. I do not think sludge (untreated waste) is being spread.
"It is true. One person is allowed to speak on the issue per meeting. 5 minutes max."
After speaking to a borough council member, I'm convinced they are largely ignoring the Sunshine Act. I'll have more about that later. But assuming that is so, you need to ignore Zrinski's advice that you disrupt meetings. That is extremely irresponsible. If anyone takes her advice and breaks the law, she should be held responsible as well.
Oh boy, plenty of bad information floating around this turd bowl. Pun intended.
Nazareth produces a Class B biosolid that his not heat dried. The activity is regulated by DEP which requires an implemented conservation plan for biosolids to be applied. The farmland prez requirement for a conservation plan would already be satisfied.
Residential septage must be treated, so sorry to burst your bubble 9:34. Septage is screened and treated with lime. Plus, you are a moron if you flush any of the things mentioned down your toilet! Try using plant-based cleaners, your septic will thank you. You should really educate yourself on what you shouldn't flush, or your part of the problem. Plus, farmers are not spreading this on "food crops" but if they did, there are harvest restrictions in the DEP regulations. I don't know any vegetable farmers using as the harvest restrictions are pretty much prohibitive.
P.S. BO, your shit does stink, BTW.
I have been told you support Cusick for Controller and so your standard way of doing things is to praise him for nothing and attack Zirinski for nothing. You love the guy almost as much as you Love McClure, we get it. Watched the meeting hardly a call to riot. Cusick's comments are fine in the long term but really not that insightful. Thought the best advice they got was when they were told to go to meetings and challenge the no resident rule and even consider bringing an attorney as one councilperson mentioned. Your personal bias is extreme. As they say you are really ruled by your emotions based on who you love and who you hate.
I will certainly be supporting Cusick bc he is the only candidate who actually understands county issues and county finances. I have and continue to disagree with him on numerous things, and have been highly critical of him at times. I've been blogging a long time and I have laid into him numerous times in the past. But of all members of Council, he is the most knowledgeable on county issues and is the only one of them who bothers to look at financials.
As far as Zrinski goes, you are rewriting what happened. She said what she said. I quoted her. It was not out of context. She called on biosolid foes to "disrupt" public meetings. She called on them to commit crimes while she avoids the conseque3nces, just like Trump.
She gets these people to come to county council meetings even though the problems they have are unrelated to core county functions. She does this so she can sound off and blow her own horn. I feel bad for the people she uses.
She is an opportunist who has now run in five elections over six years.
Worst of all, she's not accountable. She refused to respond to me when I asked her about accepting tickets from ArtsQuest. She'll never hold the administration accountable either. She will use the controller's office as a perch from which she can continue running for other offices while continuing to teach and sell solar panels.
None of this is personal. It is her record.
Why is when democrats protest it's peaceful. But it's assumed republicans will be violent? Was it peaceful with the burning of cities? Why can't protest just mean protest???
3:47,
Yes, my shit stinks. The defense department has contacted me about it.
I appreciate what you have to say, but you are anonymous. I am tired of hearing the dire warnings of NIMBYs or a person like Zrinski, whose background is Philosophy. I want to hear from people with scientific backgrounds who can back up or refute these claims.
But that's only part of the story.
The real problem Nazareth has here, and it has had this problem in the past, is that it shuts people down and refuses to let them speak. It is illegal to refuse to allow nonresidents to speak. I have no problem with limiting speakers or even the total time allowed, but it must be reasonable. This needs top be addressed. Council can do this the easy way or the hard way.
Just had a thought Tara hooks up with King Allentown......🤣hope he still lives
6:42, This is not about DemocraTS, Republicans or protests. This is about advising others to disrupt a public meeting. Zrinski advised a citizen to break the law.
"Just had a thought Tara hooks up with King Allentown......🤣hope he still lives"
Last I heard, King Allentown was manning a 50 cal with the Azov battalion in Bakhmut, holding off the Wagner group solo.
Cornell University study by Academic Expert in field of land use of biosolids, Ellen Harrison.
https://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/Sludge/Newsolutions.pdf
“Many of the risks to people, agriculture, and the environment posed by land application of sewage sludges are chronic and may only be evident after long-term exposure. Such effects are difficult to measure and document. In the last several years, however, illnesses have been reported by residents living near sludge land application sites in a variety of locations. Anecdotal evidence of illness among neighbors to Class B sludge land application sites is mounting [11]. New sites at which people are complaining of illness are being reported approximately monthly. Allegations range from headaches and respiratory problems to death.”
Further, “Those responsible for regulation of land application of sludges at both the federal and state level are not properly equipped to conduct health-related investigations. When complaints were investigated, agency investigations focused on whether there had been violations of the relevant regulations, such as whether setback requirements were followed [27]. Qualified experts at the federal and state level, such as those at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or at state health departments, have not thus far been engaged in any scientific investigation of the incidents involving exposure of residents. Local health departments are sometimes involved, but do not generally possess the necessary experience and expertise.”
"It would be prudent to eliminate such applications of Class B sludges. Even under less risky application scenarios, there are risks of illness associated with application of Class B sludges. The potential for off-site movement of chemicals, pathogens and endotoxins suggests that use of Class B sludges should be eliminated."
Very interesting research done by academics who don't get funded by the BIOSOLIDS LOBBY. A report the DEP and Biosolids industry doesn’t want to address. They’re meeting the Regulations, and that’s all anyone cares about. Damn the people who suffer from this practice.
Let’s not forget they almost breached the White House. The Secret Service had to rush the President to the underground bunker. January 6th was wrong ,but that episode at the White was bad also. I think Trump is an idiot but it’s still no excuse for that.
This Zrinski lady has got to go. She’s made a mockery of County Council. She’s a rabble rouser looking for a job and cares nothing about the people of this county. She’s a disgrace!
7:41, That is what interests me. I note that Dr. Harrison refers to "anecdotal" evidence as a basis for concern. Given that untreated shit has been used for thousands of years as fertilizer, I'd think we know by now what's really unhealthy and what's not. I will look at her work as well as the work done by biosolid advocates like Synagro.
Everyone in this country has the right to peacefully protest. Bad happenings in the past should not stop all from being able to protest. Stopping dialogue and protesting makes us no better than communist countries silencing people is what is scary.
BOH 8:43P
Yes, thousands of years. And new chemicals are being introduced into our industries and residential uses every year, many, many chemicals (such as PFAS & PFOS). DEP only regulates 8 heavy metals and chemicals (if memory serves me) when dealing with Biosolids, based on 40CFR 503 regulation from 1993. It has not updated the rules and regulations since then. That's 30 years of advancement in our chemical uses with no additional regulation.
And there is NO ENFORCEMENT! It is self reporting by the spreading entity, or reporting of nuisance or suspected violation by the public, which MIGHT elicit a response by a regulator.
The old "trust me, we won't hurt you." Then look at Fornos and Pierce and ask yourself if you trust them with your family or your communities health and safety.
Trump calls "fake news" on the bunker story. There was no protest. He was there to measure for new drapes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/31/White-House-protests-outside-George-Floyd-protesters-DC-Trump-bunker/stories/202005310136
Do you remember in the 70s the DEA tried to dissuade people from smoking marijuana because they used human shit for fertilizer?
It is not pellets! And we are being denied the right to speak at Nazareth Boro Council meetings because we are not residents. And this more than just “because it’s in my backyard”….I had no idea this was even a practice before it came here. We have gone to Harrisburg. We have tried to get Nazareth residents to step up but no one wants to. That’s why they are stuck with the people they have! NBMA was told by a consultant this land was inferior for what they wanted to do. Sloping land, natural spring, homes….come take a look at it! but they did it anyway. They need at least 200 acres to spread their shit. They think the neighboring farms will eventually sell. How about you call me…I’m Meghan Uliana
Nobody is breaking the law except Nazareth Boro
Right….so farmers won’t grow our food in it but it’s ok to spread sooo close to homes, natural spring that flows into Little Bushkill, and Plainfield Park…GOT IT!
You’re wrong….she didn’t get me to attend that meeting. I came because I saw the Council took a stand against the Bethlehem landfill expansion and I thought “what the hell…I’ll try again”….we have Harrisburg telling us to go to our local representatives, local reps telling us to go to Harrisburg…I don’t get involved in politics as deeply as you seem to but I can tell you as the person she was speaking to….I didn’t get a feel that she was telling me to do anything illegal. I left that meeting and went right to NBMAs meeting…didn’t do anything illegal
the Ellen Harrison "cause for caution" was incorporated into the 25 pa code chapter 271 biosolids regulations. This was done as an olive branch to the anti folks. Just because you find one professor who rails against it doesn't break the case. Harrison didn't get much support outside of Ithica. Try looking at some of the work of Dr. Sally Brown, University of Washington. Or Dr. Nick Basta, Ohio State, Dr. Ian Pepper, Arizona. I know they are second rate schools but. . .
I'll ask 10:17 where do we come into contact with PFAS in our home? carpet, non-stick pans, fast food wrappers, cosmetics, dental floss, clothing, paper plates, the list goes on. Biosolids are not a source of PFAS the products we bring into our home are.
Like it or not, just like trash, we're all producers of biosolids. So, unless you manage your own waste, don't have trash service, or have another solution besides saying "no" you're just another hypocrite.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/05/biosolids-toxic-chemicals-pollution?fbclid=IwAR3DRKdzkSnol_cwtka1bk2WTwRswbc7r9P7Tx6yYfegrL7x4vSI1FgOr60&mibextid=Zxz2cZ
The one question you have to ask yourself before commenting on this issue is “What if they wanted to do this bordering my home?” How would you feel then? Would you fight or just “trust the government” and the people and entities that are profiting from this practice.
Megandrich, I'll take your word that Zrinski did not ask you to come and you did so on your own. But I know from past experience that she tends to pack the room with her allies. I've seen her do it numerous times. Also, the simple fact is that she told you to disrupt, i.e. violate the law. I'm glad you had the sense not to listen to her zany remark, but with people like her, it's only a matter of time until it happens. Also, I asked you to call me bc I had questions about the Sunshine Act violations. I left a message on your Facebook page. I care about the Sunshine Act, live in Nazareth and can actually do something about your complaints. You have not called me as I requested. Do you really want to do something or do you just want to complain?
Please tell me where and when you asked me to call you? I have nothing from you. I’m new to this blog…wasn’t even aware of its existence till this morning. If I wanted to sit around and just complain I wouldn’t be going to these meetings. I wouldn’t have a lawyer. I wouldn’t be in touch with DE RiverKeeper Network. I wouldn’t be spending my money on informational pieces to hand out. I wouldn’t be spending money on insurance so I can set up booths at fairs and farmers markets.…I have 3 kids and my time is precious. So, please tell me where to find your number because I don’t have it
But what could go wrong? If the government says its safe, and we’re abiding by their rules, we’re ok.
Tell that to the residents of Maine, who are dealing with a “DO NOT EAT” order on their deer population due to the effects of the deer ingesting Biosolids.
Even Pennsylvania Game Commission is starting to test its deer population to see the effects of Biosolids PFAS, after they issues a “Do Not Eat” advisory for fish in the Neshaminy Creek basin.
What could go wrong? Ask that to the residents of Lawrence County, Alabama, who in 2009 found unacceptable PFAS levels in private drinking water wells and livestock, after spreading supposedly “safe” biosolids on its land. Simply because the EPA doesn’t regulate these chemicals, that doesn’t make it right.
What could go wrong? Ask that to the residents of Dalton, Georgia, who also in 2009 found years of application of biosolids resulted in unacceptable chemical level in the Conasauga River and Holly Creek.
What could go wrong? How about Raleigh, North Carolina in 2008, when they had to spend $15 Million dollars to extend municipal water lines to provide clean drinking water to 16 residences due to the contamination of their water wells due to sewage sludge application.
What could go wrong? In 2007, Milwaukee, Wisconsin spent $4 Million dollars to remove tons of contaminated soils which received Class A biosolids labeled as Morganite off its public parks because the PCB levels. Once they measured the chemicals they found the soil exceeded the EPA limits for designation of a SUPERFUND SITE!
@8:04
EPA's own D. David Lewis has something to say about some of your experts you mention.
https://www.independentsciencenews.org/health/how-epa-faked-the-entire-science-of-sewage-sludge-safety-a-whistleblowers-story/
But I'm sure there's nothing to see here.
Remember kids, every commercial that starts with "you may be eligible to compensation" refers to something the government (FDA, EPA, etc.) approved.
"Please tell me where and when you asked me to call you? I have nothing from you. I’m new to this blog…wasn’t even aware of its existence till this morning. If I wanted to sit around and just complain I wouldn’t be going to these meetings. I wouldn’t have a lawyer. I wouldn’t be in touch with DE RiverKeeper Network. I wouldn’t be spending my money on informational pieces to hand out. I wouldn’t be spending money on insurance so I can set up booths at fairs and farmers markets.…I have 3 kids and my time is precious. So, please tell me where to find your number because I don’t have it"
I left a message as a comment on your Facebook page in a letter you sent to NBMA. I asked you to call me and gave you my number. 610-533-7379. I am uncertain whether your claims about biosolids have merit, but take the Sunshine Act seriously, live in Nazareth and have tangled with the borough before on that issue. You get notified on Facebook when someone comments on a post you wrote so you should have seen it. In any event, call me if you'd like to see the Sunshine issue addressed.
I do love how everyone calls us NIMBYS….but when asked if you would like to live by a crap field, the answer is always no. Including the farmer who currently farms the Authority’s farm…he said he has no problem farming the “biosolids” but he would absolutely have questions and concerns if he and his family had to live by it.
"Dr" David Lewis is a fraud. He was booted from the EPA because he was moonlighting as an expert witness. He also helped uncover the fraud that Dr. Andrew Wakefield was pushing on the MMR vaccine and autism. Lewis was trying to help wakefield prove his case that MMR was tied to autism but it backfired and now Wakefield is no longer a Dr.
Simply google, as you did for all of your cheerleader stories "Dr. David Lewis fraud"
https://briandeer.com/solved/david-lewis-1.htm
8:42 - how many people are impacted by fossil fuel extraction, refining and retail distribution, yet you still most likely drive an internal combustion powered car?
Land application of biosolids is part of living in a civilized society. Otherwise, we are just dumping it in the river. Kind of like Maine.
I have rejected an anonymous personal attack aimed at Megan U. She holds no public office and is not running. If you want me to publish you, identify yourself. Otherwise, you are a coward.
Can we at least agree that doing this outside your own jurisdiction (for lack of a better term) is unethical at best, and doing it next to a recreation facility and park of a neighboring community is tremendously poor judgement?
How is a community supposed to plan for recreation for their citizens, investing millions in development to improve the quality of life, only to have an out of town Municipal Authority come in and squash that planning by putting in a sewage disposal facility next door?
What would the citizens of Nazareth do if Gracedale Open Space decided to allow biosolids dumping upwind of their Community Park?
If you’re willing to sign up to live right next door to where they apply it then you can support it. If not, do a bit more research on the practice as if they were going to start spreading right next door to you and let me know if you still feel the same way.
7:27, Ms. Uliana did not sign up to live next door to where it is applied. She lives on a preserved farm that has been in the family for three generations. Naz Boro Mun Authority bought a farm next door and plans to use it.
"What would the citizens of Nazareth do if Gracedale Open Space decided to allow biosolids dumping upwind of their Community Park?" Well I know the soil was treated Monday bc I was walking there as the tractors came by, spreading chemicals of some kind. There was an odor, but not strong. It probably was not biosolids, but I grew a little concerned for the dog with me. I get your point and agree no one likes the smell.
Bernie - what your post I do not believe addresses is that both the Authority and Borough are not allowing non-resident citizens to speak at all, or limiting one "spokesperson" for the room of objectors to speak. The Chairman of the Authority and Solicitor Pierce act like it is Nazi Germany. No offense to lawyers, but Pierce acts like a tyrant - a very well paid one at that, profiting handsomely off this affair.
Anon 4:43
I looked at your link. Looked for supporting reporting of this massive fraud of Dr. Lewis. It just doesn't exist, at least not on the public domain.
I did however find substantial supporting positive opinion of Dr. Lewis beyond your single investigative journalists negative opinion.
Please provide the treasure trove of peer scientific opinion of Dr. Lewis that will sway this blogs opinion of Dr. Lewis's challenge to the Biosolids issue.
It seems your single point of "evidence" is fraught with holes and assumptions and is an opinion. But I assume you knew that and I assume you would acknowledge the "cheerleading story" is the one single article you could find disputing Dr. Lewis. Rah-rah.
BO, Third generation farm, but who farms the ground? They are landlords on their country estate same as the bedroom commuters you slam in the slate belt post. Tough to have it both ways. Ron was right, we should be saving the farmer.
I love how people make assumptions about the people directly involved in this and make assumptions on the situation. I love how everyone is an “expert” on everything…expert on Covid, expert on Ukraine, suddenly now everyone is an expert on farming and “biosolids”…why?? Because you found one article online after reading this blogpost? What is the purpose of tearing down people who are fighting for something that directly affects their livelihood and the surrounding community? And doing it anonymously…
And another point…if we all sat around and trusted everything the government told us was good, right, safe, etc….we would all have lung cancer from cigarettes, liver cancer from alcohol, etc…at the end of the day…I had a local farmer tell me he doesn’t mind growing in sludge and that he gets a nice yield but wouldn’t want to live near it. He doesn’t grow food crops in it and doesn’t even feed these crops to his animals. He sells them. What does that tell you?? I’ve talked to a lot of farmers around here and this sludge practice is not the “norm”
That farm is preserved…it has to be farmed with or without sludge. To insinuate I’m not “saving the farmer” is ridiculous. You don’t know me at all.
Megan,
Actually, the PA Supreme Court deemed biosolids a normal farming practice and there are lots of farmers across the country that use it on their own farms, where they in fact reside. You had a local farmer tell you he doesn't like it. That tells me he doesn't like it.
You are correct, I don't know you, but I meet people just like you all the time. You attack agricultural practices like biosolids because they don't fit into what YOU think agriculture should be. PA was forward thinking enough to pass the Right to Farm Act. It essentially defines agriculture as a nuisance.
I fear you are fighting a losing battle. Nazareth has every right to apply biosolids as long as they comply with DEP requirements. Case law is in their favor, and they have the war chest to outspend you in a protracted legal battle. Unfortunately, that's the reality you now face.
I'm aware Pa. law favors the farmer's right to apply biosolids, but I can tell you one battle Nazareth will lose. You can't block people from speaking simply bc what they say makes you uncomfortable. There are several issues here: biosolids, Sunshine Act, First Amendment and disruption.
Legally, everything I have seen leads me to believe your interpretation of the law is correct when it comes to biosolids. It could very well be, however, that biosolids are unhealthy. Moreover, there's something just wrong about one municipality dumping its shit on a neighbor. It's why we hate garbage coming ion from Jersey and NYC.
Legally, I know both Nazareth Borough and the authority are playing a dangerous game in refusing to allow people to speak simply bc they are nonresidents.
Legally, I know it is extremely irresponsible for an elected official to advise a citizen to disrupt a public meeting in another municipality.
Yes, it’s legal. But that’s my point…just because at some point the government made a decision doesn’t make it right. And do you have any knowledge of this property? Because DE RiverKeepers is involved…there’s a natural spring on this property that feeds the Little Bushkill. A win for Nazareth is not a guarantee and they know it and it’s why they are doing more than what they normally do. To cover their butts. And I’ve talked to more than one farmer. I just gave him as an example. And yes, there are farmers who reside by where it’s spread…that’s their choice. NBMA has found a loophole in the law and spreading on an inferior property and they know it! I’m attacking what NBMA is planning to do so close to our waterways, dozens of homes, a park where thousands of children play all year long….it’s wrong. Because I don’t trust what the government has said is ok.
Experts in policing too. Dont forget that one!
It would be great if just a few people from Nazareth Borough would attend the next meeting of the NBMA and ask questions, like:
Why is this morally ok for our community to do this to Plainfield Township residents? And next to their community park, no less. Have you no heart?
If the Seiple Farm was such a necessity to operations of the NBMA, why was it so easy to let it go? Was it no longer usable? And if so, what will the Hower Farm look like in 20 years? Will it still be able to be used as a farm under Farmland Preservation or will it be a SuperFund site?
What happens when the soil is no longer able to be used for crop farming due to known chemical pollutants in biosolids (PFAS, PFOS, heavy metals)? Who pays the taxes on the property to get it out of Preservation?
Has NBMA tested its product for the hundreds of known pollutants that are in biosolid samples tested nationwide? Why not? What are they afraid of?
PFAS and PFOS are known to be associated with plastics, among other things. In Nazareth there are 3 or 4 manufacturers of plastic commodities, funeral homes, Gracedale, etc. What does NBMA do specifically to ensure waste water from these manufacturers and chemical and pharmaceutical users are not releasing PFAS and PFOS into the biosolids if there is no testing?
The Lehigh Valley is no longer Rural America. Dumping the sewage plant effluent in the backyards of these people is wrong.
8:32, You just demonstrated you have no understanding of the Sunshine Act. You need to educate yourself on that topic before presenting yourself as a scientific expert. Under the Sunshine Act, you have absolutely no right to ask questions. You do have the right to speak and weigh in on topics, but no right to cross-examine. Save your questions for one-on-ones.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but questions can be asked. Answers to those questions are at the discretion of the board being asked the question. No harm in asking, since its evident that Fornos is the only one who actually has anything to say on the board.
Maybe those questions would light a bulb of thought on the other board members who sit there silent meeting after meeting. Nothing to say from any of them.
You can ask what you want but no one has any obligation to answer you. The right to speak is for you to weigh in on matters of public concern, not cross-examine officials.
Megan,
Your argument is to throw out the baby with the bathwater. There is no loophole I'm aware of that Nazareth is taking advantage of to recycle biosolids on their farm. I'm open to seeing what that loophole is though. The regulations recognize that farms will have springs, streams, hydric soils and be near houses and neighboring wells. The regulations incorporated recommendations by Ellen Harrison on buffer distances from these features, increasing what was found to be acceptable. The regulations even allow DEP, on a case-by-case basis to impose requirements that are more stringent than what is required. So the farm is not "inferior" it has features that are found on most properties of that size. The areas that are not suitable will be identified and buffered. This is a regulated activity, not the wild west.
As for BO and the sunshine law, that's his expertise and I'm careful to question his knowledge on the matter.
His opinion that biosolids may be unhealthy would lead me to believe we are losing thousands of wastewater treatment plant workers due to daily exposure from biosolids? Or farm families that use biosolids on their farms?
10:18, Lol, I am by no means an expert, either on biosolids or the Sunshine Act. I do have experience with the Sunshine Act and know that Nazareth Borough and the Authority are both wrong. As for biosolids, I am more than open to the competing arguments.
Just curious if you’d like to disclose any financial interest or ties to the sludge industry?
If you have questions about the safety of this practice ask the people of Maine why it was banned after wells and soil had been permanently and irreparably damaged.
If you need further evidence that’s closer to home, you need not look further than Mt Bethel where the courts decided that the farm they were spreading sludge on was “inferior” and forced to stop.
Ask the people of North Carolina who experienced severe illness after local farmers started spreading.
The people who work in wastewater treatment facilities use PPE to protect themselves and they are not being covered in it like the soil will be.
The spreaders of the sludge also have to wear PPE and must protect themselves from the toxic substances found in sludge.
Just because it’s legal and “approved for use “ by the government does not mean it’s safe.
Just look at the drug Viox. Our government said it was a safe and effective drug. It later resulted in the largest ever judgement against a drug manufacturer for killing thousands of people.
We flush many more toxins and pollutants down the drain then when this practice was approved. In light of new information old practices need to be challenged and re-evaluated.
A sewer authority purchasing a preserved farm outside of their jurisdiction for the sole purpose of spreading sludge is a loophole. This was never the intention of the preserved farm program…the County Preserved Farm has even said this. They found a loophole. As for your buffers…no buffer will protect the aquifers, or the air quality, or property value…if any of us want to sell we will have a make a line item on sellers disclosure that asks have your received written notice of sludge being spread nearby. And it calls it sludge…not biosolids. So, what good is a buffer if I can’t sell my home? They should have stayed where they were but they are greedy wanted to cash out on their 21 year agreement. And I’ll say it again…I don’t trust the government or their regulations on what they claim is safe. Anyone who is does is a fool.
I believe the intention of farmland preservation was to prevent the loss of prime farmland. You have suggested that the Nazareth farm is "inferior". If the farm is inferior, should it have been preserved in the first place? It seems that you are suggesting that preserved farmland should only be owned by farmers.
Have you talked to the farmer that rents the fields adjacent to your home about the proper agronomic rate of fertilizer? You stand a better chance of impact from the unregulated application of commercially available fertilizer. Or the potential failure of your septic system in your backyard. Your septic system receives your waste on a daily basis and is only required to be 100' from your well. Nazareth will only apply, possibly twice a year, at agronomic rate, as required by the regulations you cannot trust.
Your property is not adjacent to the farm, and you're not required to check the box. The property value issue has been around for years. I'd be interested if you have any proof of this or just repeating what others have said? I can show you a home that's adjacent to a sludge farm that recently sold well above asking price. The owner claimed the property was worthless because of the sludge. It sold for 730,000, a nice price for 5 acres surrounded by preserved farmland spread with sludge.
BO may remember the meeting in Lower Mt. Bethel, where the chair of the Lehigh Valley Realtors Association stated property values were negatively impacted by biosolids. Ron Angle challenged him to provide evidence to back up his claim and he could not. Again, if you have proof to the contrary, I would be happy to see it.
You certainly don't have to like what Nazareth is doing but you cannot claim it's illegal. Bad optics, sure, but it's legal.
The individuals from Plainfield township have spoken at various Nazareth meetings. They were given multiple opportunities over the past year to speak. Month after month they were allowed to express their concern. This was done over and over and over again. Each meeting they get more upset more angry and more unprofessional. To the point were they are literally pointing fingers, yelling and name calling. The information is always the same it’s been expressed. They were encouraged to get someone to join the municipal board which they did not do. They were given one on one time to discuss the issues by council members of the municipal board. This isn't a case of them not being heard. The bio solids are appropriately treated approved by the EPA and spread on private land. There are no laws being broken.
Biosolids approved by the EPA and spread on private land ..all legal.
8:37, I know how difficult it must be, but you have an obligation to listen to speech even if you dislike what is being said. If people act unprofessionally, they can be gaveled down. Nothing you say justifies a violation of the Sunshine Act.
8:37, unless you are the security cop that regularly attends, your first hand knowledge of what transpires must mean you are anonymously posting as a member of the NBMA, since no one outside the Plainfield residents actually attends these meetings.
The reality is that the NBMA only allows one person from the Plainfield "coalition" to speak for five minutes.
Angry and upset is a broad statement. You describe what just about anyone's feelings would be if an outside municipal board wanted to dump their waste in their backyard and next to a public park.
Finally, can you please let the public know how a group from Plainfield has any electoral representation in Nazareth to get someone appointed to the NBMA board?
It is this inability to be represented or heard that brings out the "anger and upset" that you describe.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/22/i-dont-know-how-well-survive-the-farmers-facing-ruin-in-americas-forever-chemicals-crisis
Interesting article. This is pretty telling paragraph.
"Maine is hardly alone. It is finding more contamination because it’s doing more testing, experts say. All sludge contains some level of PFAS, and farms across the country have increasingly used the substance as fertilizer in recent decades. Michigan, one of the only other states to monitor biosolids and to test agricultural products, recently discovered PFAS-contaminated beef."
Fornos has boasted about how much more his NBMA is doing to make sure this is done right.
Do something that really matters.
Rather than not know what they are dumping, how about these NBMA 'farmers', Fornos and Pierce, commit to testing their sludge for PFAS to ensure they don't destroy the Protected Farmland? If they find PFAS or any toxic chemicals (which they will), they give up on the dumping in Plainfield Township?
What is telling is we cannot admit PFAS are in our waste because we bring them into our home. Food packaging, carpets, clothing, cosmetics, medical devices (like my hernia mesh) but we want to villainize our toilets. I'll bet our homes are more contaminated than any farm in Maine.
Are you eating or drinking any of those things?
PA thinks it’s important enough of an issue to put limits on…
Pennsylvania passes 'forever chemicals' drinking water limit | AP News https://apnews.com/article/health-pennsylvania-state-government-philadelphia-climate-and-environment-c1757da47df32fe8a792e24bd7746567
Let's get out the crayons, shall we? I think your looking in the wrong place.
You eat the cake that sits on a grease proof platter.
You eat the popcorn that is in contact with the microwave bag.
You cook dinner in the non-stick pan.
You put dental floss between your teeth.
You put long lasting lipstick on your. . . lips
You wear goretex against your skin.
My surgical mesh is literally incorporated in my abdominal muscle.
Little baby Joey sucks on his flame-retardant onesie
Take a look at this study out of Yale on household dust and little baby Joey.
https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-identifies-potentially-harmful-substances-in-household-dust/#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20PFAS%20has%20been,of%20inhaling%20or%20ingesting%20them.
When PFAS are falling from the sky in rain, we have a bigger problem than poo poo.
Put the PFAS issue aside for a minute, you’d sign up to live next to a sludge field? You’re ok with one municipality literally dumping their shit on their neighbors?
Yes, and I do. You signed up by choosing to live next to a farm. Another farmer could have bought it and put up a hog barn. What's the difference? you want to enjoy the view but not pay for it?
You can always move into town where there's no sludge being spread. My neighbors do plenty of things I don't like, but I don't own their property and remind myself of the fact. If you live next to a farm you have to accept that there will be activity on that farm that may be an inconvenience. It will smell bad for a few days every year, maybe a week. I'm happy to smell sludge for a week a year than have 300 more neighbors. You want to have your cake and eat it too.
By your reasoning, your neighbors should have control of how you legally use your property. Rules for thee and not for me.
What's the solution if the world doesn't revolve around you?
I call BS. I’ve had personal conversation with several (real people not anonymous blog posters) people who live adjacent to sludge farms and this is 100% not their experience. They tell of a smell so bad you cannot be outside for 1 to 2 weeks after it’s been spread. I grew up on this farm so please don’t tell me that I’m some transplant who doesn’t understand what “country life” is all about. Which sludge farm do you live directly next door to? Do you know you’d have to disclose that on a sellers disclosure form? My guess is you’re either on the NBMA board or a close friend of someone who is. Maybe you even work for material matters…
and next to this communities park no-less. Nazareth leaders ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Megan,
Be assured I’m real and I don’t sit on the board.
The farm I live next to is my families, of which I’m a co-owner. A few neighbors use it too. And yes I know all about the disclosure and we have already gone over this ground, You keep coming back to the same tired arguments. The neighbors that accept agriculture, in all it’s forms have nothing to say to you. You only seek out people who agree with you. I’m sorry that two weeks of the year would ruin the other 50.
You want to have your little estate and be inconvenienced by no one. I’m afraid you forgot what country life is.
How could you build a house in the middle of “farm” you grew up on? Right in the middle of a field! That’s a disgrace and if you want to call BS, look in the mirror.
The farmer in 10:56 seems to equate his family farm to what the NBMA is doing. Really? The NBMA is a sewer authority made up of Nazareth businessmen (?) led by a Chairman with no environmental or farming or technical background. They are not a farming business. They are a sewer processing and disposal business, with no regard for the land or any farm. NBMA benefitted from an eminent domain taking 50 acres from the Seiple farm, kicking that estate in the groin because the NBMA 'needed' the land for its business. They sold that land they "needed" so badly. And now they're buying a contracted farmer to dispose of their sewage waste on the land they bought. Its not a Preserved Farm, which was paid for by our taxes. It is a sludge disposal property controlled and run by a municipal authority. Congratulations NC Farmland Preservation. Your program has been hijacked by NBMA and will suffer when other communities start pulling their funding from this end around.
This is not Meghan, this is her husband, Rich Uliana. I’m not against agriculture- spread all the manure and fertilizer you need to - I’m against the practice of spreading human waste mixed with any toxic chemicals that can be flushed down the drain being spread on farmland.
And since you know who we are why don’t you tell us who you are.
10:56, I also think it’s a bit hypocritical that you would comment to me “ By your reasoning, your neighbors should have control of how you legally use your property. Rules for thee and not for me.” and then call me disgraceful for where I chose to build my house on my property. What was that you said? “Rules for thee and not for me?”
If you’d like to have a real conversation about this, look me up on Facebook and send me a message. I’m happy to have a discussion with you. If you believe you have something valuable to share on your experience, I’d like to hear it. As for this forum I’m done having “go-nowhere” discussions with anonymous people.
Rich, I don't think you have a strong grasp on wastewater treatment. You're more likely to have impacts from over application of manure or commercial fertilizers. So, suggesting "spread all you need to" again demonstrates your limited understanding of the issue. Maybe try and seek out answers from Penn State? or others that might not share your opinions.
I'm offering my opinion based on facts I'm familiar with, you are offering opinions based on what you don't know. You may have grown up in the country, but you don't pass the straight face test of understanding agriculture. You just want to protect your mini estate from any perceived inconveniences.
This story published opn 3/20, and it was primarily focused on the Sunshine Act and the illegal advice that came from Zrinski.
While I appreciate the back and forth concerning biosolids, the only persons reading these comments at this time are the Ulianas, myself and an anonymous pro-biosolids person. I am doing my own research on that topic and will weigh in on it down the road. I am closing the comments now so that you all can go on with your lives.
To be continued ...
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