Failures in certain areas of vegetational growth in Copperhill recently led to the use of biosolid waste, from the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, throughout Copperhill Industries which has impacted local residents with a foul odor.
Intertrade Holdings, Inc. owner Buddy Haynes said, “they (biosolids) were successful, but I just didn’t realize the extent of the problem with the odor.”
Concerning this problem, Haynes has plans for change in order to benefit Copperhill residents. “We’re making changes and moving everything to the back...we told the Mayor of Copperhill and TDEC (Tennessee Department of Enviroment and Conservation) that we would keep a check on the odor.”
Prior to the use of biosolids, there were two areas that Haynes deemed “waste piles” that had been left there from when the area was used for mining. Traditionally, the company would use fertilizer and lime, but according to Haynes, “it was not successful.”
The biosolids in use have been certified by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture as a commercial fertilizer. “The goal was to use it to compliment lime and regular fertilizer in areas that have little or no vegetation to promote growth...and it has worked.”
The use of biosolids was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with TDEC. The plan was to use the biosolids to “overcome the acidic ground” and “stimulate permanent vegetative growth,” Haynes finished.