SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 8
(By Senators Wiedebusch, Macnaughtan, Chernenko,
Withers, Humphreys, Grubb, Blatnik, Yoder,
Helmick, Ross, Felton, Anderson and Sharpe)
Directing the governor of the state of West Virginia to issue an
immediate executive order placing a moratorium 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 unsafematerials; and
Whereas, No rules or regulations are in place dealing with
the use and application of sewage sludge; therefore, be it
Resolved By the Senate:
That the governor of the state of West Virginia is hereby
requested to issue an executive order, effective immediately,
placing a moratorium on the use of sewage sludge for composting
purposes in circumstances other than for research and development
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 governor is further requested to
direct the appropriate regulatory agencies to prepare, as soon as
practicable, a report of the agencies' findings and submit same
to the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of
Delegates for development of appropriate legislation; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to
forward a copy of this resolution to the governor of the state of
West Virginia.