BENNER TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A Department of Environmental Protection expert was on hand Monday night at the Bellefonte Borough Council meeting.
Geologist Mark Stevens was addressing concerns about biosolids being spread near their properties.
Biosolids are treated sewage and can include human waste. It's causing a major debate in the area. The water authority is spreading it at Spicer Farm after receiving approval from the DEP.
The concern many have is it running off into the well water community members use, making it unsafe to drink.
"Big Spring and the private and municipal wells in Benner Township (we're concerned about)," says Greg Jeffries, who lives in the area. "We're really hoping Bellefonte rethinks this application of biosolids in the area. It's not good for the area, it's not good for the people."
Stevens with the DEP was speaking to a crowded room Monday, explaining that biosolids go through rigorous testing before its spread and even after.
He says he's seen few cases in his experience of biosolids contaminating the water supply. But he did admit important water protection plans aren't necessarily in place before that happens.
"Our understanding of source water protection lines up exactly with what he said. It was a surprise to us to hear a source water protection plan isn't checked before where to put biosolids," says Jeffries.
Stevens says the Spring Benner Walker Joint Authority is working on a water protection plan currently.
The Benner Township Water Authority meets Tuesday night at 6:30 at the Township Building.
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