But he did so one day before a county hearing to decide whether to shut down his operation at a site south of Chehalis permanently. Biosolids committee member Bob Guenther, who lives near the site, voted with the committee minority to enact county oversight. I'm really pleased that we've finally gotten the minority to be heard here. Biosolids had been classified as solid waste, but the Legislature last year reclassified it as having beneficial uses on land. The state defines biosolids as containing valuable nutrients, increasing organic content, tilth and water-holding potential of soils.
Critics warn it can also contain harmful bacteria and heavy metals.
John Henderer covers county government and environmental issues for The Chronicle.