H. R. 9--"Requesting the Governor of the State of West Virginia to issue an immediate executive order placing a moratorium or other appropriate restrictions on the use of applications of sewage sludge as compost in the State of West Virginia, and to develop public policy on the same."
Whereas, Applications and contracts for large-scale use of sewage sludge for composting purposes are being considered in a number of counties in this State; and
Whereas, Sewage sludge is being accepted at state landfills without payment of landfill tipping fees, without regard to annual tonnage limits placed on landfills and without adequate quality standards and regulations having been established; and
Whereas, The components of sewage sludge vary from community to community; and
Whereas, Improperly treated sewage sludge can contain pathogens and other potentially hazardous materials which may constitute a serious threat to the public health; and
Whereas, The possible adverse effects of the use of sewage sludge as compost are not known, and ultimately may prove to be harmful; and
Whereas, The Legislature and the executive branch of the State of West Virginia must act to protect the public from unsafe materials; and
Whereas, No rules or regulations are in place dealing with the use and application of sewage sludge; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the Governor of the State of West Virginia is hereby requested to issue an executive order, effective immediately, placing a moratorium or other appropriate restrictions on the useof sewage sludge for composting purposes in circumstances other than for research and development or other generally accepted purposes, and he is further requested to direct the appropriate regulatory agencies to gather sufficient facts to develop a reasoned public policy and to protect the citizens of the State of West Virginia from possible hazards caused by sewage sludge; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the 1993 Legislature create public policy on the large-scale application of sewage sludge that provides public input, acceptable standards and collection of applicable fees; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of West Virginia.