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RVML Resource Center 2002-2007 Calendar Archives 4 May 2004, Tuesday |
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RVML's "Members Only Book Vault"
Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: RVML Event Center -Suite 6 UPSTAIRS
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Important Notes: 1) As an incentive to join RVML, The Book Vault is open to library members only. 2) Most of the items in the Book Vault are not included in our searchable database. 3) The Book Vault is located upstairs in Suite 6 (directly above the library).
Lecture:Lecture: Hazardous Waste in Oregon Fertilizers by David Monk
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: RVML Event Center - 258 A St, Ashland
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Lecture: Confronting the Problem of Hazardous Waste in Oregon Fertilizersby David Monk
All Tueday evening events at
RVML are FREE ADMISSION
Presentation Description:
Oregon fertilizer companies routinely recycle hazardous industrial waste, introducing several dozen toxic metals and chemicals into our farm, lawn and garden soils. The toxic substances pose a serious health risk to humans and animals that come into contact with the contaminated fertilizer or eat certain vegetables grown in treated soil. State waterways and the aquatic life they harbor are also threatened through the run-off from erosion.
Manufacturing industries sell their hazardous waste to fertilizer companies in order to avoid the cost of disposal according to federal guidelines. In the five years between 1990 and 1995, Oregon companies sent nearly 26 million pounds of industrial chemicals to fertilizer companies and farms. This alarming practice has been going on for at least twenty years with no sign of slowing down.
The state of Oregon has established limits for five heavy metals in fertilizer based on a human health risk assessment done by consultants working for the fertilizer industry. No independent research has been done to confirm the assumptions made in this risk assessment. The long term impact to human and environmental health from the build up of toxic substances in our soils is unknown. We are all a part of an experiment that may well prove disastrous for the health of our farm soils, farm workers and consumers.
Oregon Toxics Alliance recommends that:
-The Oregon Department of Agriculture must consider the process of fertilizer manufacture as a food supply issue rather than a waste disposal issue.
-All fertilizers must be labeled to include information on derivation of the product and the presence of any toxic substance.
-All raw materials must be tested for toxic constituents before they are shipped to fertilizer companies.
-Farms whose soils have been treated with toxic waste-derived fertilizers must be monitored for leaching of materials from the cropland into the surrounding environment.
-Records of chemical use in soils must be filed with land deeds in order to inform and protect future purchasers.
-Any hazardous waste must be banned from fertilizer production.
Presenter's Biography:
David Monk is currently the Executive Director of Oregon Toxics Alliance a statewide grassroots organization working to eliminate unnecessary toxics use and contamination. He serves on the Board of the Independent Science Review Board operating in Lane County to provide scientific review of human health and environmental issues important to area residents. He was formerly a Board member of the local land use group Friends of Eugene and served for two years as a Steering Committee member with Citizens for Public Accountability.
Website: http://www.oregontoxics.org
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 Licensed To: RVML |
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