Sludge Removal Completed

The sludge which was dumped on Almeida Road has been removed by Earthsource.  Rehoboth Selectman Rob Johnson made the announcement Monday. Approximately 300 truckloads of sewage sludge were dumped by EarthSource last March.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) tested 18 town wells. Conservation Commission chair Robert Materne said the Conservation Commission discussed the test results. There are five reports which total over 200 pages. “The results show that the sludge is basically within state limits for the various chemicals and metals, some numbers were a little high, I don't know which ones yet,” Materne said Tuesday. “The material however meets the standards for agricultural use, as long as the farmer uses Best Management Practices when applying,” Materne continued.  “DEP will be conducting more tests in the near future.”

The DEP had tested the sludge because of the huge size of the alteration of wetlands, which ended up being seven acres. Two samples were taken. Materne told the other town boards (Water Commission, Planning Board, Board of Selectmen) last August that the sludge, which had been stored at the Raynham dog track, was “the largest violation in our history.”

“As this wraps down for the winter, the big issue is turning out to be the dumping into and alteration of the wetlands,” Materne explained. “The fill has been removed, 300 truckloads, we are waiting to see if the area has been brought down to the correct grade to ensure survival of the wetland plantings that will be done this spring. Once that is done, the slash will be spread, and straw mulch will be spread to protect the bare soil from erosion.”

 “The gravel put down in the driveway and turnaround will be removed, the stream crossing restored and a gate installed to prevent illegal dumping of yard waste and trash, which has occurred,” Materne noted.  Materne said restoration of the wetlands will commence in the spring under the supervision of the Conservation Commission.