March 28, 2024

Conservation Commission Fights Sewage Sludge

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The Rehoboth Conservation Commission has been fighting the disposal of 300 truckloads of sewage sludge on Almeida Road. Last March, the commission issued a cease and desist order to Charney, the company responsible.

Robert Materne, the commission chairman, said the sludge came from the Raynham dog track. Karl Drown, the town’s health agent, had been notified. The Board of Health confirmed the location.

Materne explained the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was called in to test the sludge because of the huge size of the alteration of wetlands, which ended up being seven acres. “This is the largest violation in my 23 years on the Commission,” Materne noted. “The DEP originally said that they wanted us to handle (the situation) but it’s too big for us. We issued an enforcement order, which means (Charney) can’t do any work at all.”

The DEP said the decommissioned sewage sludge can be used as an agricultural supplement on fields. Materne was concerned about the sludge seeping into the groundwater. Almeida Farms on Barney Avenue is very close to the dump site.

“The amount of dumping there is too much for anyone in town,” said Materne, noting if the water used at Almeida Farms became contaminated, it would have a detrimental impact on the business. There was a concern for local wells along with the farm. The Water Commission was also alarmed.

Materne called a special meeting with the Board of Health and the Water Commission in an effort to get more information from the DEP.

Another meeting will be held on August 9 with representatives from the DEP. The Water Commissions in Swansea and Seekonk have been contacted. State Rep. Steven Howitt, R-Seekonk, may also be in attendance.

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