Scheib talks on biosolids

BARRY TWP. – Robert Scheib, a Barry Township farmer, who is under scrutiny for applying Class A biosolids on his farm, contacted The Citizen-Standard Tuesday morning to contradict the things that Kevin Scheib, a neighboring resident, and head of the Citizens Against Biosolids reported in last week’s edition.
Bob Scheib told The Citizen-Standard that he contacted the Barry Township Supervisors on January 22 to alert them that Synagro was going to be spreading biosolids on his farm and he also asked for a copy of the new regulations the township adopted concerning the application of biosolids.
“I contacted Jeff Hinkel and he brought me a copy of the ordinance the next day after I contacted him,” said Scheib. “The supervisors were well aware that the materials were going to be applied.”
Kevin Scheib said that Robert Scheib applied the sludge only a day or two after contacting the supervisors.
“I contacted them far in advance before they were applied,” says Bob Scheib. “I wasn’t the one who applied them, a representative from Synagro came out and spread them.”
When asked for the exact date of when the product was spread, Bob Scheib nor Mark Reider, technical services from Synagro, could give the date. Reider did say he could provide the date, but would have to search his paperwork.
“Tim Craven from DEP, who is the North East inspector for Biosolids out of Wilkes-Barre, was here on my farm and inspected everything and approved it,” said Scheib.
Reider offered to send the inspection reports to The Citizen-Standard.
Scheib said the information concerning the application of the biosolids close to wells was not correct.
“These are Class A Biosolids,” said Reider. “The state doesn’t have set backs for Class A materials. There are no setbacks for wells with Class A sludge.”
Reider did say that there are setbacks for Class B Biosolids, as well as odor and nuisance issues.
“This is not the first time that biosolids have been spread on the Scheib farm,” said Reider. “Bob Scheib has been receiving biosolids since the 1990’s, and Reider says he got confirmation from DEP that it was applied in the 1990’s. He first received the material from Tremont, and at that time they were Class B biosolids. Now, he is receiving Class A.”
According to Reider, Class A biosolids are made for landscapers and homeowners with 99.9% pathogen reduction. He compared them to the milk that consumers buy. The milk is pasteurized and is 99.9% pathogen free. This material he says can be bulk applied to the land and can be applied next to wells and property lines.
Reider says Class B biosolids are materials that are no worse than animal manure, but are only 93% pathogen free.
Bob Scheib said that his land is posted, but if 4-wheelers and snowmobiles continue to drive across his land there is nothing he can do about it. He has posted signs in place.
“Someone would have had to trespass on my land to know that there is Synagro equipment on my property,” said Scheib. “The equipment is in the pit and you wouldn’t be able to see that unless you were trespassing. People need to get their information correct.”
 

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