Deadly Sludge: Pennsylvania's Silent Killer?
In October 1994, 11-year-old Tony Behun of Osceola Mills, Pa., rode his dirt motorbike through fresh sludge on a strip-mine site across the road from his home. The son of former L.U.1303 member Joe Behun was covered in dirt and grime. Two days later, Tony had a sore throat and headache, followed by a boil on his left arm. His doctor said he had the flu and prescribed antibiotics. The next day, Tony had trouble breathing and was airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital. Doctors tried to save his life but could neither diagnose his illness nor figure out a cure. Unbelievably, Tony died eight days after exposure to the sludge. Doctors said the cause of death was bacterial infection.
Five years later, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an investigation and concluded the boy died of a bee sting, not from sludge. "It was a complete lie," said his mother, Brenda Robinson. DEP's followup investigation revealed its
first probe was flawed. Medical records from Allegheny General Hospital and EPA microbiologist Dr. David Lewis showed that Tony's
death was caused by a pathogen (or disease-causing organism) called Staphylococcus aureus. DEP claimed this pathogen was not known to
be found in "biosolids," the government's "user-friendly" term for sludge.
The stink began in September 1994 when sludge from Philadelphia's sewers was first hauled to the non-union strip-mine site in Centre
County-where Behun rode his bike in October-and was spread at the rate of 304 tons per acre. Several mine workers at that site also
became ill but were afraid to complain for fear of losing their jobs.
Since Behun's death, another Pennsylvania youth-and a 25-year-old New Hampshire man-died from apparent exposure to Class B
sludge, which is commonly spread on farm fields as fertilizer and on abandoned strip mines to promote growth of vegetation. Containing
human waste, sludge is divided into different categories depending on how it is treated, explained UMWA International safety representative
Jim Lamont. Class A sludge receives the more costly and extensive treatment that kills most of the pathogens living in waste. The
non-exceptional quality Class B sludge is treated to kill some, but not all, pathogens.
On April 1, 1995, 17-year-old Daniel J. Pennock of Robesonia, Pa., died of a staph infection 13 days after playing basketball on a field
across the road from his home where a local farmer had applied Class B sludge for eight years. At first, Daniel had a headache and sore
throat; a few days later, his fever rose to104 degrees and he was hospitalized in Reading, where doctors diagnosed viral and staph
pneumonia. Holes appeared in his lungs, and he gasped for every breath. "How can you go from your son playing basketball on Thursday
to being told on Monday that your son was dying?," asked Daniel's father, Russell Pennock. "The hardest thing I've ever witnessed was my
son's death after he held on for 13 days," he lamented. "Only in February 2001 did we learn the truth-that our son died of exposure to
sludge."
Seeking a more complete explanation for Daniel's death, Pennock eventually contacted Dr. Lewis in Athens, Ga., who agreed to look into
the matter. "It definitely sounds like-from the circumstances-this is typical of what we're seeing from sludge exposure," said Lewis. "All
things considered, I would say Daniel and others in your home probably developed the S. aureus and rotavirus infections as a result of
prolonged exposure to the dusts and irritant gases blowing from the farm treated with pathogenic sewage sludge."
"We never associated the infections, coughing and boils, which afflicted our family and at least eight visitors to our home, with this
strange-smelling, grayish sludge. It looked like mulch when it was wet and clothes-dryer lint when dry," said Pennock. "There were no signs
to warn people about this silent killer. We were allowed to hunt on the farmer's property," he added, "and we tracked sludge into our home. I
wouldn't have bought my house in 1989 if warning signs had been posted. I might have my son yet."
Pennock blasted the DEP for its deception, corrupt "back-room" politics and nastiness. "Instead of protecting us, the DEP and the EPA
are backing the sludge industry while downplaying and dismissing the deaths of the two young boys in Pennsylvania." He refers to the EPA as
the "Environmental Politics Agency."
"Rural Americans feel victimized by our government and the corporate sludge companies," said Pennock. "If I can prevent just one death from
sludge, then I'm doing the right thing. I'm not quitting my fight," he added, commending the UMWA for spearheading a campaign to alert
citizens about the risks of working near or visiting sludge sites.
"If it weren't for the UMWA, this serious health hazard would not be getting the nation-wide exposure it deserves," said Len Martin Jr. of
Philipsburg, Pa., son of L.U. 1117 retiree Leonard Martin. "I thank Cecil Roberts for getting the union involved in the sludge debate. Now,
other states are following our lead."
UMWA Wages War on Sludge
The UMWA launched its aggressive campaign in July 1999 after eight UMWA workers became ill from exposure to Class B sludge spread
near their workplace. Thomas Reed and another L.U.1303 member working at Powers Inc. strip mine in Centre County experienced
dizziness, nausea and bloody vomit. Six co-workers had diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms. In response, L.U. 1303 president John P.
Acey Jr. contacted the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), identifying several deficiencies in the EPA's sludge
rule. For example, the rule's site restrictions-that last up to one year for the general public-do not apply to workers who often tramp
through sludge.
After examining the sludge rule in 2000, NIOSH recommended that workers who handle-or work near-Class B sludge wear protective
clothing, including respirators, goggles, coveralls and gloves.
The problem, said former NIOSH employee Joseph Cocalis, is that Class B sludge is "biologically active" when dumped. EPA doesn't look
at the types of pathogens present in the sludge, he complained. When EPA does risk assessments for sludge, it never considers the range of
activities at a site, like riding a bike. Although EPA placed a 30-day restriction on public access to sludge sites, there's no way to keep out
innocent trespassers like young Behun.
Each year, 4 million tons of recycled sewage are spread on rural or suburban fields across America. Yet, the government is doing little
research to ensure that humans are protected from viruses, bacteria and toxins in the sludge, according to the EPA inspector general's internal
review. "The agency can neither investigate nor keep track of all the complaints of adverse health effects that are reported," said the EPA
report, issued amid growing concerns that sludge is not as safe as it was thought to be when the government approved it in the mid-1990s.
Dr. Lewis told a conference of scientists in November about his research into nine sludge-treated fields located near residents who
complained of eye and skin irritation and breathing difficulty. "We found that one-fourth of those who complained had serious staph aureus or
staph epidermitis infections. This certainly links staph infection to sludge exposure."
"We must continue our fight to expose the crucial safety and health hazards caused by spreading biosludge in or near our workplaces and
communities," said President Roberts.
It is an uphill battle, Lamont admits. Powerful forces, including EPA and DEP, are fostering the use of "biosolids" as prolific fertilizers. "They
are more concerned with public perception of sludge than protecting workers and the public against potential health hazards. The
government doesn't want to claim responsibility for the deaths of sludge victims. We know that sludge application is all about money. It's time
for people to know what is not being told about sludge."
On behalf of the UMWA, Lamont is spreading the word to community groups and government agencies. He recently expressed concerns to
NIOSH about any proposed changes in its Hazard ID covering workers exposed to Class B biosolids during and after field application.
"We believe that science and evidence strongly suggest Class B sludge is the cause of illnesses, and we urge NIOSH to leave the 'HAZARD'
name in its official HID#10 warning."
"If not for the UMWA," noted Martin, "NIOSH would never have issued this hazard ID in the first place, and thousands of workers-and
nearby residents-wouldn't be protected."
Martin credited the UMWA with mobilizing the citizens of Panther Valley, Pa., to keep Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co. from dumping
human waste-at a rate of 340 tons per acre-atop a reclaimed anthracite coal mine. Activists hailed the public outcry and subsequent
victory as a milestone in the nation-wide battle over the increased use of sludge.
Roberts praised concerned citizens in Panther Valley, as well as Jodi Hamrock of Buffington Township, Pa., for playing active roles in the
UMWA's campaign. The 26-year-old daughter of L.U. 1257 member John Hamrock formed Citizens Against Sewage Sludge to prevent
Johnstown Sewage from dumping sludge as fertilizer on nearby farm fields. "We are fortunate to have the UMWA to help educate people
about this health hazard," she said.
Outspoken sludge critic Martin was so disturbed by the senseless death of his neighbor, Tony Behun, that he studied the issue thoroughly and
signed a petition banning sludge from the strip mine in Centre County. He eventually tackled the sludge industry for creating such a serious
stink-and health hazard-near his home. "Smelling worse than rotten fish, odors permeated our region for several miles," he recalled. "I'll
never forget that putrid smell."
Over the years, DEP has denied repeatedly that sludge caused Tony Behun's death. Today, kids still ride their bikes at the former strip mine
site, Martin observed. Thanks to citizens' protest, the last sludge was dumped there in 1998.
"Sludge took Tony's life. What was his life worth?" asked Martin. "That's why I'm involved. We've just reached the tip of the iceberg in
our fight to protect citizens from sludge."
In October 1994, 11-year-old Tony Behun of Osceola Mills, Pa., rode his dirt motorbike through fresh sludge on a strip-mine site across the road from his home. The son of former L.U.1303 member Joe Behun was covered in dirt and grime. Two days later, Tony had a sore throat and headache, followed by a boil on his left arm. His doctor said he had the flu and prescribed antibiotics. The next day, Tony had trouble breathing and was airlifted to a Pittsburgh hospital. Doctors tried to save his life but could neither diagnose his illness nor figure out a cure. Unbelievably, Tony died eight days after exposure to the sludge. Doctors said the cause of death was bacterial infection.
Five years later, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an investigation and concluded the boy died of a bee sting, not from sludge. "It was a complete lie," said his mother, Brenda Robinson. DEP's followup investigation revealed its
first probe was flawed. Medical records from Allegheny General Hospital and EPA microbiologist Dr. David Lewis showed that Tony's
death was caused by a pathogen (or disease-causing organism) called Staphylococcus aureus. DEP claimed this pathogen was not known to
be found in "biosolids," the government's "user-friendly" term for sludge.
The stink began in September 1994 when sludge from Philadelphia's sewers was first hauled to the non-union strip-mine site in Centre
County-where Behun rode his bike in October-and was spread at the rate of 304 tons per acre. Several mine workers at that site also
became ill but were afraid to complain for fear of losing their jobs.
Since Behun's death, another Pennsylvania youth-and a 25-year-old New Hampshire man-died from apparent exposure to Class B
sludge, which is commonly spread on farm fields as fertilizer and on abandoned strip mines to promote growth of vegetation. Containing
human waste, sludge is divided into different categories depending on how it is treated, explained UMWA International safety representative
Jim Lamont. Class A sludge receives the more costly and extensive treatment that kills most of the pathogens living in waste. The
non-exceptional quality Class B sludge is treated to kill some, but not all, pathogens.
On April 1, 1995, 17-year-old Daniel J. Pennock of Robesonia, Pa., died of a staph infection 13 days after playing basketball on a field
across the road from his home where a local farmer had applied Class B sludge for eight years. At first, Daniel had a headache and sore
throat; a few days later, his fever rose to104 degrees and he was hospitalized in Reading, where doctors diagnosed viral and staph
pneumonia. Holes appeared in his lungs, and he gasped for every breath. "How can you go from your son playing basketball on Thursday
to being told on Monday that your son was dying?," asked Daniel's father, Russell Pennock. "The hardest thing I've ever witnessed was my
son's death after he held on for 13 days," he lamented. "Only in February 2001 did we learn the truth-that our son died of exposure to
sludge."
Seeking a more complete explanation for Daniel's death, Pennock eventually contacted Dr. Lewis in Athens, Ga., who agreed to look into
the matter. "It definitely sounds like-from the circumstances-this is typical of what we're seeing from sludge exposure," said Lewis. "All
things considered, I would say Daniel and others in your home probably developed the S. aureus and rotavirus infections as a result of
prolonged exposure to the dusts and irritant gases blowing from the farm treated with pathogenic sewage sludge."
"We never associated the infections, coughing and boils, which afflicted our family and at least eight visitors to our home, with this
strange-smelling, grayish sludge. It looked like mulch when it was wet and clothes-dryer lint when dry," said Pennock. "There were no signs
to warn people about this silent killer. We were allowed to hunt on the farmer's property," he added, "and we tracked sludge into our home. I
wouldn't have bought my house in 1989 if warning signs had been posted. I might have my son yet."
Pennock blasted the DEP for its deception, corrupt "back-room" politics and nastiness. "Instead of protecting us, the DEP and the EPA
are backing the sludge industry while downplaying and dismissing the deaths of the two young boys in Pennsylvania." He refers to the EPA as
the "Environmental Politics Agency."
"Rural Americans feel victimized by our government and the corporate sludge companies," said Pennock. "If I can prevent just one death from
sludge, then I'm doing the right thing. I'm not quitting my fight," he added, commending the UMWA for spearheading a campaign to alert
citizens about the risks of working near or visiting sludge sites.
"If it weren't for the UMWA, this serious health hazard would not be getting the nation-wide exposure it deserves," said Len Martin Jr. of
Philipsburg, Pa., son of L.U. 1117 retiree Leonard Martin. "I thank Cecil Roberts for getting the union involved in the sludge debate. Now,
other states are following our lead."
UMWA Wages War on Sludge
The UMWA launched its aggressive campaign in July 1999 after eight UMWA workers became ill from exposure to Class B sludge spread
near their workplace. Thomas Reed and another L.U.1303 member working at Powers Inc. strip mine in Centre County experienced
dizziness, nausea and bloody vomit. Six co-workers had diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms. In response, L.U. 1303 president John P.
Acey Jr. contacted the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), identifying several deficiencies in the EPA's sludge
rule. For example, the rule's site restrictions-that last up to one year for the general public-do not apply to workers who often tramp
through sludge.
After examining the sludge rule in 2000, NIOSH recommended that workers who handle-or work near-Class B sludge wear protective
clothing, including respirators, goggles, coveralls and gloves.
The problem, said former NIOSH employee Joseph Cocalis, is that Class B sludge is "biologically active" when dumped. EPA doesn't look
at the types of pathogens present in the sludge, he complained. When EPA does risk assessments for sludge, it never considers the range of
activities at a site, like riding a bike. Although EPA placed a 30-day restriction on public access to sludge sites, there's no way to keep out
innocent trespassers like young Behun.
Each year, 4 million tons of recycled sewage are spread on rural or suburban fields across America. Yet, the government is doing little
research to ensure that humans are protected from viruses, bacteria and toxins in the sludge, according to the EPA inspector general's internal
review. "The agency can neither investigate nor keep track of all the complaints of adverse health effects that are reported," said the EPA
report, issued amid growing concerns that sludge is not as safe as it was thought to be when the government approved it in the mid-1990s.
Dr. Lewis told a conference of scientists in November about his research into nine sludge-treated fields located near residents who
complained of eye and skin irritation and breathing difficulty. "We found that one-fourth of those who complained had serious staph aureus or
staph epidermitis infections. This certainly links staph infection to sludge exposure."
"We must continue our fight to expose the crucial safety and health hazards caused by spreading biosludge in or near our workplaces and
communities," said President Roberts.
It is an uphill battle, Lamont admits. Powerful forces, including EPA and DEP, are fostering the use of "biosolids" as prolific fertilizers. "They
are more concerned with public perception of sludge than protecting workers and the public against potential health hazards. The
government doesn't want to claim responsibility for the deaths of sludge victims. We know that sludge application is all about money. It's time
for people to know what is not being told about sludge."
On behalf of the UMWA, Lamont is spreading the word to community groups and government agencies. He recently expressed concerns to
NIOSH about any proposed changes in its Hazard ID covering workers exposed to Class B biosolids during and after field application.
"We believe that science and evidence strongly suggest Class B sludge is the cause of illnesses, and we urge NIOSH to leave the 'HAZARD'
name in its official HID#10 warning."
"If not for the UMWA," noted Martin, "NIOSH would never have issued this hazard ID in the first place, and thousands of workers-and
nearby residents-wouldn't be protected."
Martin credited the UMWA with mobilizing the citizens of Panther Valley, Pa., to keep Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co. from dumping
human waste-at a rate of 340 tons per acre-atop a reclaimed anthracite coal mine. Activists hailed the public outcry and subsequent
victory as a milestone in the nation-wide battle over the increased use of sludge.
Roberts praised concerned citizens in Panther Valley, as well as Jodi Hamrock of Buffington Township, Pa., for playing active roles in the
UMWA's campaign. The 26-year-old daughter of L.U. 1257 member John Hamrock formed Citizens Against Sewage Sludge to prevent
Johnstown Sewage from dumping sludge as fertilizer on nearby farm fields. "We are fortunate to have the UMWA to help educate people
about this health hazard," she said.
Outspoken sludge critic Martin was so disturbed by the senseless death of his neighbor, Tony Behun, that he studied the issue thoroughly and
signed a petition banning sludge from the strip mine in Centre County. He eventually tackled the sludge industry for creating such a serious
stink-and health hazard-near his home. "Smelling worse than rotten fish, odors permeated our region for several miles," he recalled. "I'll
never forget that putrid smell."
Over the years, DEP has denied repeatedly that sludge caused Tony Behun's death. Today, kids still ride their bikes at the former strip mine
site, Martin observed. Thanks to citizens' protest, the last sludge was dumped there in 1998.
"Sludge took Tony's life. What was his life worth?" asked Martin. "That's why I'm involved. We've just reached the tip of the iceberg in
our fight to protect citizens from sludge."
posted by Sludge at 6:00 AM
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