Neighbors say the odor has became particularly bad in the past several months. They are also concerned that the sludge will contaminate the local water supply and endanger the general welfare of the neighborhood. We didn't move here for this. We moved here for the peace and quiet. Sludge consists of water and the solid matter removed from sewage during the treatment process.
Farmers use it as fertilizer because nitrates in the sludge replenish soils depleted by crops.
Environmentalists fear that the chemicals can poison the groundwater. But most waste-disposal experts say it poses no health threat. The material is treated with lime to kill dangerous bacteria and viruses. It is tested for heavy metals that enter the sewage system from industrial sites. Residents in several southern Maine communities have complained about sludge spreading because the brown muddy material stinks.