Editor, Gazette-Journal:

On Dec. 11, the State Water Control Board voted to pass a permit (VPA00584) to apply industrial sludge in six counties, despite a tremendous opposition from grassroot citizens. Represented were scientists, nurses, environmentalists, businessmen, watermen, timber companies and farmers-also-opposed. Permit supporters accused the opposition of being emotional, ignorant and comprised of city folk who moved in and oppose agriculture.

The speakers at the board meeting proved otherwise on all counts.

Prior to the meeting, the DEQ did not deliver citizen comments and research to board members in a manner that retained its material content; so members weren’t able to consider it when voting. The research showed overwhelming evidence of water and health impacts. Ninety percent of the reachable landowners/farmers (53 are listed in the permit) were mailed the research from citizens and asked to withdraw. Two have. Permit supporters rallied help by telling people t...