Company seeks to spread more sludge in Burke County
EPD accepting public comment
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

An Arkansas-based waste management company is looking to bring more wastewater treatment sludge to Burke County.

Terra Renewal Services has submitted an application to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to add nine additional sites, which include 719 acres.

The company began applying material here in 2003 and already utilizes about 60-70 sites in the county, according to Terra Renewal's regional environmental manager John Pipkin.

Pipkin said the sludge is a byproduct from a handful of food processing sites within about a 100-mile radius of Burke County. It consists of the solids gleaned from water used to clean equipment and facilities at the plants. Some of those plants include slaughter houses for beef and poultry, such as Shapiro Packing in Augusta, as well as a handful of bakeries and soft drink companies.

The sludge is injected several inches beneath the ground to minimize odor and flies.

"It helps the farmers, because it aerates their land and provides a little bit of fertilizer," Pipkin said.

The EPD is accepting public comment for the next 30 days on Terra Renewal's application. Those comments will be used in their final decision on the additional sites.

If a significant number of people comment on the matter, the EPD may opt to hold a public hearing.

All comments may be mailed to the EPD at 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101, Atlanta, Georgia 30354. "Terra Renewal Services, Inc. Sludge Management Plan (Burke County)" should be written at the top of the first page of comments.

Terra Renewal's plan, permit application and existing permit are available for review at the EPD offices Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.