The biosolids (sludge) drying plant proposed by Synagro and Green Knight Economic Development Corp. deserves a better response than that of John Reinhart (guest column, Feb. 14).
His statement “No one in the Slate Belt really cares about the science of Synagro’s proposed project to transform human waste to fertilizer,” shows a side to an educator which is very disturbing. He is either ignorant of what we try to do in education (inform and educate) or so biased by his own paranoia that he can’t be honest. He represents the “not in my back yard” mindset which prevails when people are ignorant of science and facts. He said, “we don’t care about the process, nor do we care about the 16 jobs that Synagro claims will be created through it.” Did he really think about what he was saying before he started writing?
There are valid questions to be asked when considering whether the biosolids proposal, but please do not say we don’t care about science! There are important questions about traffic and odors and possibly noise. The questions of safety can be answered with science and planning. We have industry in the Slate Belt that has much more risk associated with it than biosolids. Reinhart, when he was superintendent of Bangor Area School District, helped court one such industry to move to the Portland Industrial Park — Voltaix, which produces semiconductor materials from extremely hazardous materials. Is it now different when a project is in his own back yard?
We should use science and intelligence to decide whether we should host the facility. And if nuisance from odor or traffic dictates from a policy point not to allow it, fine. But don’t tell us not to use science to decide!
Charles A. Cole
Environmental engineer and scientist
Upper Mount Bethel Township
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