The technical problems associated with a land application
program are small if high quality sludge are used at agronomic
rates. However, a technically well designed and executed
program can still fail because of community opposition.
This opposition is usually stronger against larger projects,
projects that may cross political boundaries, and projects in
urban and suburban areas. Two approaches are currently used
when dealing with the public; seek active community involvement
or keep a low profile. The most effective method is to seek
the communities involvement. The following is a imformal
set of rules a company could use to gain the backing of any
local community
When dealing with the public, allow them to be as
"hands on" as possible. The more the public is
involved the less likely you will run into opposition during
later stages in the process. The community will be more apt
to voice concerns well before the construction has begun.
A program that is visible to citizens seems less of a threat
than one that is hidden away and secretive. After the local
residents have gotten used to seeing the program, there is a
greater chance of civic acceptance as a part of city services.
If the community sees a visually clean site, the average
citizen will not be concerned with the inner workings of the
actual process. Clean equipment and clean looking
application sites is considered to be a very important public
relations tool.
The first complaints most residents cite is usually that the
plant has a foul smell. This can be taken care of in the
design process by injecting the biosolids or incorporating them
when the plant is in proximity to a residential area.
The large landowners will be the best local advocate of
the plant if you can make it attractive for them to purchase your
product. Landowners that see your plant as a economic
incentive will be more likely to back the facility.
An informed public will make better, educated
decisions. Once the risks and benefits are truly understood
by the community, the more likely they will decide in your
favor. The media can either destroy or build the
community's confidence in your operation. Work with
the local news organizations in order to gain them as a
supporter.
