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Pittston Area Urged to Test Soil Quality: At Issue is Mining Rock and Possible Treated Sewage Sludge Near a Pittston Area School.

Posted on: Friday, 3 March 2006, 06:00 CST

By Bonnie Adams, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Times Leader

Mar. 3--HUGHESTOWN -- A Pittston Area School District resident is questioning the quality of soil used for the athletic fields and grounds around the Primary Center and wants the district to test the soil.

Mark Kowalczyk said his main concerns are the amount of mining rock and possible use of treated sewage sludge from Philadelphia in the soil. He said he worries that could create a health risk for children.

Kowalczyk, who has 13 years of landscaping experience, said his other concern is the cost of upkeep of turf on the fields and grounds if the soil is too acidic because of culm material.

He asked the school board at February's meeting to conduct a composition test of the soil. He said samples should be taken from throughout the property along Rock Street. "I'm going to push the board to get the composition tests done."

School board member Terry Best agreed Thursday that the district should test the soil. "This is something that must be and should be looked into immediately." Best questioned what was in the soil used for the athletic fields and grounds. "Did we get what we paid for?"

Best said the district reportedly used Earthmate compost material made from composted sewage sludge from the city of Philadelphia. The compost comes from the City of Philadelphia Water Department, which says it meets federal and state environmental standards for homeowners' use.

The sludge is mixed with wood chips and composted for a minimum of 21 days. Temperatures in the compost piles must reach 131 degrees to kill pathogens, according to the department.

Best said he would like to know if the sludge was used.

The Primary Center opened in 2002 and houses first and second grades. Softball, field hockey, baseball and soccer fields are on the property.

District officials could not be reached Thursday for comment.

Bonnie Adams, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7241.

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Copyright (c) 2006, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Times Leader

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Source: The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.)

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