Three local farmers spoke out against a proposed sewage sludge-producing facility southeast of Columbus now being considered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Mike Kamman, Brian Scheidt and Jim Fritsche expressed their concerns to the Bartholomew County commissioners, who emphasized they have no jurisdiction in the matter. However, the three farmers said they want to ensure county officials are aware of the situation.
Biocycle LLC, 3788 E. County Road 300S, is requesting a permit from IDEM for a 85-foot by 100-foot storage facility for mixing the sludge, also known as biosolids. If mixed properly,the sludge can provide a number of benefits for agricultural fields that include additional nutrients, improved soil structure and water reuse, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
But Kamman says the facility is proposed for the highest part of Biocycle’s property, which makes him worry that runoff will run over his property. Kamman, who twice referred to the biosolids as toxic human waste, said the sludge had been applied on farm fields near Garden City.
“I’ve been told that was the problem with one city well,” Kamman said. “They can’t put any more on.”
County Commissioner Tony London says local farms have been utilizing biosolids for over a decade.
But Kamman expressed concern that the sludge could end up polluting nearby Brush Creek, adding his biggest concern are the heavy metals found in the mixture.
When Scheidt addressed the commissioners, he agreed with Kamman that the unpleasant odor from the operation could reach as far as CERAland Park and Otter Creek Golf Course.
Scheidt also said the county would be liable for the upkeep of roads, which he said will be damaged by two to nine loads of biosolids being brought in daily. He also warned about chemicals that could end up in Brush Creek, as well as a lack of manpower by Biocycle to ensure the facility is operated properly.
Fritsche warned the failure of a farm tile will have a direct input into the aquifer and underground water table. After repeating Kamman’ concern about heavy metals, Fritsche said he wants more information on who will monitor the operation.
When Fritsche questioned how well IDEM will monitor the operation, London said his experience with the state agency is that “they are not ones to let stuff slide through very easily.”
In the permit application, Evan Daily of Biocycle promised several precautions such as a 660 foot setback from residences or public businesses unless a signed waiver from owner or tenant is applicable. The same setback applies to potable wells or a drinking spring, Daily said.
Applications will be kept at least 300 feet away from surface waters or surface inlet to subsurface drainage system, according to the application.
Unless a signed waiver is obtained from the owner or tenant when applicable, Biocycle will also impose a 200-foot setback from wells and surface waters or the surface conduit to a subsurface feature, Daily wrote.
He assured IDEM that the application of the mixture will be closely monitored by a certified operator. All setbacks will be clearly flagged along with any areas exceeding the desired slope, he added.
On Dec. 21, Dailey notified IDEM he was still trying to find answers to five areas of inquiry required by the state agency. On Monday, IDEM Communications Director Allen Carter said he can only say that his department is still working on Biocycle’s request.
