Local activist thanks commission for biosolids language in county plan and urges ordinance adoption

Stuart Overby, representing the grassroots group Don’t Spread On Me, spoke during public comment on Oct. 14 to thank the commission for including a sentence about biosolids in the county’s draft plan and to urge follow-up action. “So you all know that, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for keeping a nice, good sentence about biosolids in the AC 44,” Overby said.

Overby identified himself as a resident of the Samuel Miller District and described his organization as a grassroots group advocating for changes to how treated sewage sludge (biosolids) is permitted and spread on farmland and forests. He said he provided hard copies of a draft biosolids ordinance and offered to share a digital copy on request.

Why it matters: Overby asked the planning commission to pursue a biosolids ordinance now that parts of the comprehensive-plan process are concluding; he framed the action as part of a broader policy conversation about how biosolids are managed locally.

Details and next steps: Overby said his group would share information and encouraged commissioners and staff to review the draft ordinance. The meeting record shows he handed hard copies to meeting participants and offered to provide a digital version by email. The commission did not take formal action on the draft at the meeting.