A bill that was introduced to the state senate July 9 could eventually bring some peace of mind to Jackson Township residents who are upset that treated waste is being spread on nearby pasture land.

Co-sponsored by state Sen. Robert D. "Bob" Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th District, the bills calls for a moratorium on the spread of biosolids/sewage sludge in Pennsylvania until a Bio-Solids Land Application Study Commission has been established to study whether the practice is "harmful to the environment or public health."

Residents of Jackson Township and adjoining municipalities have publicly said they are worried about the effects of treated sludge on their health and the environment. Treated waste from Allegheny County Sanitary Authority is being spread in Jackson Township on 800 acres of pasture, owned by Roy Neer of Butler County.

"Knowing that there is a lot of questions out there that need answers, I think that's a driving force behind it (the legislation)," said Robbins' legislative assistant Nate Silcox. "I know the Jackson Township folks have the same questions as Sen. Robbins. He is looking for the same answers as they are before proceeding."

Another senate bill, also co-sponsored by Robbins, caused some recent controversy because it might penalize municipalities for trying to limit the spread of treated waste, which is being termed an "agricultural product."

That bill was originally created to protect the large-scale, commercial hog and chicken farmers from local ordinances seeking to prohibit or limit their business. Its focus expanded to prohibit local laws from discriminating against any agricultural operations. It would penalize anyone, including local governing bodies, by authorizing courts to charge court costs and legal fees to the losers in any "nuisance" lawsuits.

The Senate approved it, but it the House has taken no action on it, said Silcox.

The latest bill won't come up again until the fall session, according to Silcox.

"We'd like to see it passed because until it goes into effect, they're still out here dumping that stuff," said Robert Grant of 1536 Franklin Road, who is the head of the Jackson Center Concerned Citizens Committee.

The odor from the treated sewage in the area is "bad, obnoxious and infuriating," he added.