Lystek International, LLC put forward a proposal to build a sewage sludge recovery facility in the Glen Canal View Business Park located in the Town of Glen, Montgomery County. This proposal would be the first known facility like this in New York State. The facility is expected to import 150,000 tons of sewage sludge into Montgomery County each year and convert it to a bio-solid fertilizer. The process involves potentially dangerous materials including human waste, farm animal waste, and food waste, such as yogurt by-products.

In a letter to Commissioner Basil Seggos at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara is calling for a moratorium on the siting of sewage sludge facilities like this in New York State. “We must take action to allow time for further consideration of this proposal by placing a moratorium on the siting of sewage sludge facilities like this in New York State,” Santabarbara said. “More detailed information is needed to fully understand the facility’s operation and the long-term effects of its products on some of the historically richest farmland in the Eastern United States.”

The facility uses a storage reservoir liner that would hold approximately 75,000 tons (18 million gallons), which is half of the year’s expected production and 5.5% of all sewage sludge produced annually in New York State. Quality control of the liner includes periodic inspections to address cracks and tears, and the use of plastic welding to make repairs. Santabarbara, a civil engineer, reviewed mapping of the area including documents from the United State Geological Service (USGS) to locate an existing aquifer below the business park, including the location of this project. “As a civil engineer, I have significant concerns that this facility could pose a significant health hazard to both the environment and the residents in this upstate community,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Any leaks at this facility could not only contaminate the aquifer beneath, but also neighboring wells supplying water to local residents.”

At a meeting with local residents, Santabarbara announced the launch of an on-line petition for residents in the Town of Glen and the surrounding areas to voice their opposition to the project. Hundreds have already signed a petition opposing the project citing significant concerns about the unknown risks associated with its operation. “The proposed sludge processing plant poses a significant risk to our environment, our health and our quality of life. It’s unacceptable and we cannot allow this to proceed,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “Simply put, the residents of Glen deserve better,” added Santabarbara. “We cannot afford to ignore the health risks this poses to our families. We must do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of the families and residents in these communities and to protect the natural resources in our area of upstate New York.”