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r J A N 25 1994. BOOK 91 PAU,F 594 this County septage comes from residences, radiator shops, auto repair facilities, small manufacturing facilities, and grease traps. Grease is difficult to control because it does not spread on land well and it does not lend itself to current treatment technologies. Mr. Galanis stressed that all of these problems are difficult to control, and for these reasons he urged the,Board to adopt the proposed ordinance. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. Attorney Charles Sullivan, representing Reliable Services, a local septic tank waste disposal company, believed that County staff is trying to make it appear that the proposed ordinance will solve the problem of illegal dumping of sewage. He pointed out that there are existing laws that prohibit the illegal dumping of untreated sewage. He argued that it would be ridiculous for the County to pass this ordinance when there are no such ordinances anywhere in the State of Florida, and there are no Federal or State regulations prohibiting treated sludge and septage from being spread on land. He recounted that another county in Florida attempted to adopt a similar ordinance and it failed in a court test. Mr. Sullivan contended that the County sludge treatment plant is unable to attract business because the rates are too high, and that the proposed ordinance is just a way for the County to get people to use the sludge treatment plant. He predicted that his client would go out of business if the County adopts the proposed ordinance. Director Pinto assured the Board that staff is recommending passage of this ordinance because of environmental concerns, not to make money for the sludge treatment facility. He stressed that the County's facility is funded, and it was primarily built to handle our own sludge. He felt that the County's prices are reasonable and are similar to the amount charged in other counties. George McCullers, owner of Reliable Services, stated that he invested between $150,000 and $200,000 in a septage treatment facility and that this ordinance would put him out of business. He stressed that there is no scientific evidence that spreading of treated sludge or septage is a health hazard. Ellen Voss, president-elect of the Florida Septic Tank Association, gave a list of credentials in support of her ability to comment on this subject. She reported that her company pumps septic tanks as well as food service operation greasetraps and wastewater plants, and processes the septage using a lime stabilization process. The treatment plant and land application 18