Similar to seeing black sludge ooze from a hauler for the first time, seeing a map of sludge sites blanketing the beautiful state of Michigan can leave a lasting impression.
Michigan’s situation isn’t unique (although, in some ways, it is due to being somewhat waterlocked). The density of sludgesites per state varies across our nation, and a couple of states don’t land-apply sludge. But in very general terms, toxic sewage sludge is dumped on farmland from sea to shining sea.
When I look at Michigan’s land application sites, I see beyond the map—to the rural families with no choice in what’s being dumped near their homes, who can’t go outside because of the reeking odor of chemical-laden sewage sludge; the kids who miss Little League games due to strep throat; parents wondering why PFAS are showing up in their groundwater; and the list goes on and on.
You would think that after living with sludge for so long, and studying it for morethan ten years, I’d be more callous to it. But no—just the opposite is true. I am more dedicated with each new discovery, like this wretched situation in Michigan. Even when the map is zoomed out a bit, rural Michiganders are getting hammered by toxic sewage sludge because our wastewater infrastructure is inadequate and a federal rule is camouflaging that reality while gaslighting our nation.
Pray for our mission. It’s time for change.
