(The following article is from the August 1-31,  2010 issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to: People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)

By Stephen Von Sychowski

     Biosolids are processed human waste derived from sewage. In some parts of the world, they are widely used as fertilizer for crops. In other countries they are banned. All around the world, where biosolids are used there are reports of health problems, sometimes severe, attributed to them. So it isn't surprising that when residents of the Red Rock/Stoner community in northern B.C. were outraged to learn that without any consultation, biosolids would soon find a home at a dump site in their area.

     In late 2009, signage appeared on a lot on East Patterson Road in Red Rock, stating that it would soon become a biosolids dump. The biosolids, from the nearby city of Prince George, are purported by the project's supporters to be safe, but no conclusive proof has been provided, and $40,000 for basic tests to prove the safety of the biosolids was put on hold last May. At a community meeting in February 2010, Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers attempted to quell fears about the potential dangers of the dumping, but local residents were unconvinced.

     Meanwhile, dozens of cases have been reported around Canada of symptoms ranging from rashes and sore throats to difficulty breathing and severe digestive problems in areas where biosolids are present.

     Red Rock/Stoner residents have additional cause for concern in that all drinking water in the area comes from underground wells which could easily be contaminated by seeping biosolids. Livestock, wildlife, and pets could also be put at risk if they come in contact with the substances.

     Bob Headrick, Regional Director for Red Rock and one of the leading figures in opposition to the biosolid site, had the following to say in a media statement: "This site is less than one kilometer from residents and is near the Red Rock Creek. After researching the use of Class B bio solids there are concerns in the community that contamination in the form of heavy metals, pathogens and other contaminants may affect surface and underground water ways, may dry and become airborne and may affect game such as moose, deer grouse, etc."

     Another community leader, Sheila Coburn, backed Headrick up. "You don't have to be the guy who lives next door to be concerned," she said. "They're not working it in, it's a surface application. It's going on a open field on top of a hill. Where is it going to end up? In our backyards and our wells."

     While residents await testing which will supposedly prove or disprove concerns about the project, dumping remains on hold. If the dump site is stopped, it could send a message to local and provincial governments about the need for environmentally practices and for a respectful consultative process with those potentially affected. In the meantime, many community members maintain their opposition and willingness to fight the establishment of the dump site which could threaten their health and livelihood.