In response to statements made about Biosolids last week by Northampton County DA and Democratic AG candidate John Morganelli, it is important to understand the facts.

First and foremost, Synagro does not generate “sludge” or Biosolids anywhere. What we do is manage Biosolids - treated, environmentally-approved materials only - that are generated in local communities for use as fertilizer on farms throughout the Commonwealth.

This practice is the subject of a lot of misinformation, and frankly a lot of “scare” stories. So it’s important to set the record straight.

First, there is a huge difference between Biosolids material and sludge. Sludge is raw, untreated sewage. No one should spread sludge on farms, and we at Synagro do not do so.

By contrast, Biosolids are treated, stable organic fertilizer that is regulated and approved by both the federal EPA and the Pennsylvania DEP.

Biosolids are made through the processing of material from wastewater treatment plants. They are thoroughly treated, tested, and subject to stringent environmental controls to prevent negative impact to humans or our environment.

Synagro spreads Biosolids material for free on farms across the state, saving Pennsylvania farmers millions of dollars every year in fertilizer costs. Using this environmentally-friendly material has another benefit: it reduces the use of commercial fertilizers, most of which are fuel-based, and that reduces our dependence on foreign fuels even as we encourage the use of biosolids as a “green” alternative for farmers.

And again, this material is approved by the EPA and the DEP for use as fertilizer.

Communities all across Pennsylvania and in many other states contract with Synagro and other firms to handle the biosolids produced from wastewater treatment.

They do so because by law they must treat the materials that get flushed or sent down the drainpipe. For local communities - yours and ours, because we live here, too - Synagro offers state-of-the-art technologies to treat these materials, including Biosolids, according to strict federal and state standards.

When communities choose the technologies that they require to handle their needs, Synagro implements that choice - and we do it to the very highest standards of quality and service.

Synagro does not produce the problem - that is, the material that flows down the drainpipe. We provide environmentally-approved solutions, based on informed choices made by local communities.

Our technologies are sustainable, renewable, green and safe, and we are proud of our record of service and achievement.

Lisa Williams is a Regional Director for Synagro Central.