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Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley

A Community Fight Against a Proposed Pelletizing Plant

Sludge Free Slate Belt asks that residents to say “NO” to the proposed sewage sludge pelletizing plant in the small community of Pen Argyl. Community resistance is on the basis of zoning, air quality, home value impact and traffic impact. Opponents of the plant include United Sludge Free Alliance founder, Darree Sicher; Delaware Riverkeepers, and Tracy Carluccio; a next generation resistance high school student and organizer.

Synagro has proposed a sludge pelletizing plant that will bring municipal sewage sludge wastes from 3 states to Pen Argyl, to be dried, turned into pellets and marketed as fertilizer or fuel. This type of pelletizing plant has been chased from NYC and Philadelphia, both within a 2 1/2-hour drive from the proposed location.

Tuesday April 11, Plainfield Township issued a response to the Synagro denying a permit and addressing several points including several potential deficiencies relating to steep slopes, setbacks, yards, loading/unloading, parking, and access drives. Synagro was put on notice that proof of compliance with the standards of the Ordinance, including professional testing and results, may be required in order for a permit to be issued.

For more information or to get involved, Contact [email protected] or facebook.com/sludgefreeslatebelt