County adopts amendments in first hearing to ban spreading natural organic reduction on public lands
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Summary
In a first hearing the board moved forward on an ordinance to prohibit land application of human compost in unincorporated Fresno County, agreed to delete a private right of action and to clarify the definition of 'human consumption' for the rule's application to food crops.
The Board of Supervisors held a first hearing April 6 on amendments to the Fresno County Ordinance Code to prohibit the land application of reduced human remains (natural organic reduction or 'human compost') in unincorporated public areas and on private lands where food for public consumption is grown. County public‑health staff (S6) framed the proposal as consistent with state law that allows local prohibition.
Industry representatives and advocates for natural organic reduction (S38, Earth Funeral) urged careful tailoring, lab testing and clarified practices, while raising concerns that the draft's private right of action and placement within the county biosolids code could invite litigation or unintended consequences for other biosolids uses. Alan Fernandez (S38) noted the soil produced by NOOR is laboratory‑tested to verify absence of pathogens and metals.
Board members pressed staff and county counsel on definitions and enforcement. Supervisors sought and won two changes before moving the item forward: remove the private right of action from the draft ordinance and tighten the definition of "human consumption" so the prohibition targets land where the first crop after application is intended for human consumption (e.g., vegetables, tree fruit). County counsel (S21) advised the private right of action was a policy choice and agreed the language could be removed. The item passed on a unanimous vote and was set for a second hearing and finalized summary publication requirements.
Supervisor comments acknowledged the sensitivity of the practice and the need to avoid unintended impacts on agricultural or organic‑fertility practices. A volunteer and environmental commenter (S40) urged further study and stakeholder input before final adoption.
Next steps: The board set a second hearing for April 24 and directed county counsel and public health to prepare amendment language and a fair and adequate summary for publication.
