The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) ordered an Arkansas-based waste company to stop using a North Alabama farm to store and distribute sludge.
Denali Water Solutions has been using a dairy farm in rural Morgan County for poultry processing waste sludge since late 2020.
According to AL.com, locals expressed complaints about a foul odor coming from the site and were worried about the damage it might have on nearby creeks.
ADEM delivered its final inspection on March 22 and issued a cease and desist order on April 15, citing Denali for violations such as spraying sludge too close to a tributary, spraying sludge on the saturated ground during a rain event and allowing one of the three biosolids storage lagoons to overflow.
Denali was already closing the ponds and removing the sludge, but the location will now be legally obligated to stop receiving more waste.
ADEM reported evidence of a waste spill and a torn liner in one of Denali’s holding ponds.
ADEM also said Denali did not acquire the necessary approvals before emptying the ponds and relocating the sludge.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email will.blakely@1819News.com.
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