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LaGrange: I’d like to see a ban on biosolid use
By JOHN McINTYRE, MEREDITH SAVITT & MICHAEL HALLISEY
NEW SCOTLAND—Town Supervisor Doug LaGrange has voiced strong concerns over the use of biosolids as fertilizer, citing emerging scientific research and potential long-term environmental impacts.
While acknowledging that the county has enacted only a moratorium on biosolids use rather than an outright ban, he said, “I would like to see a ban, yes, but it is a moratorium now.”
LaGrange said he brought the issue to Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, highlighting both the general risks of biosolids and the specific issue of well contamination.
“He knew it was a big deal because I don’t call often,” LaGrange said. While he pushed for a year-long moratorium, the county ultimately settled on a 90-day pause. “I was pushing for a year, but we got 90 days, and we are not upset over that.”
When he first learned of the well contamination in October, he said he contacted Jim Meachum at the Albany County Department of Health. In the following month, he reached out to McCoy to discuss a potential moratorium. He also worked with Albany County Legislator Matt Miller and spoke with Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven about drafting a local law to halt the spreading of biosolids.
LaGrange stressed the knowledge gap between farmers and the general public, sharing that much of what people have been told about the material is based on “old science.” He pointed to research indicating that over time, they can lead to soil contamination, potentially turning agricultural land into brownfields due to the accumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid and heavy metals.
The town has yet to speak with the farmer involved, though LaGrange noted that the individual was “very upset over the wells.” He speculated that a Massachusetts company may have provided the waste stream used in New Scotland but noted that this has not been confirmed.
LaGrange pointed out regulatory challenges, noting that the Department of Environmental Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency promote its use as fertilizer, touting benefits while potentially overlooking emerging risks. He referenced discrepancies in wastewater disposal, comparing septic system users, who are mindful of what enters their tanks, to municipal sewer users, who may dispose of harmful materials more carelessly.
“If somebody came up to me and said that I have a product that costs $60 vs. $600 to use, and the EPA and DEC say it is good for the soil, I can see people saying, ‘Sign me up,’” he said.
However, he added that with new research emerging, farmers must reconsider their choices. “I don’t blame them the first time, but if now they know the new science on this product and it could be the death of the soil on the land, then I would blame them.”
Testing for forever chemicals is expensive, and LaGrange questioned the safety of even the highest-rated biosolids. He raised concerns about the logistics of the application process, noting that truckloads of the material are delivered dry and often sit in piles, potentially concentrating contaminants. Additionally, he warned of an “aerosol factor” during the spreading process, which could further contribute to environmental and health concerns.
“The only way to ensure safety is through testing, and that is very expensive,” he said. The type of biosolid used on New Scotland Road remains uncertain, and LaGrange acknowledged that other potential sources of contamination exist but said, “This is pretty good evidence it was from this incident.”
This is the third of a multi-part series after a two-month Spotlight News investigation into drinking water contamination in the area. The next part is how the Town of Bethlehem is responding to the news.
