Pennsylvania County May Be Sued Over Biosolids, Court Holds

Date: June 13, 2002

Source: News Room

A Center County, Pa. township can be sued for damages over an ordinance that restricts the use of biosolids to reclaim mine sites, a federal judge has ruled. In its ruling, the U.S. District Court in Williamsport allowed to proceed a lawsuit filed by Synagro Technologies Inc. against Rush Township that challenges the township's restrictive biosolids ordinance. The Court upheld the company's right to pursue claims that the ordinance violates the Constitution's interstate commerce provisions, but dismissed six other claims against the township. The lawsuit was filed in 2000 after the township passed the ordinance, which sets a $40 per ton fee on biosolids use. Synagro is seeking more than $2.75 million in damages.

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