As a property owner near Holopaw, I am profoundly distressed about the proposed Biosolids Treatment Plant and Composting Facility (CU23-00004) at the west end of Golden Citrus Rd, St. Cloud. If approved, this facility will be close to our homes and process up to 2,000 tons of organic waste materials, including food waste, biosolids, manure, and yard trash.

Our environment is critical, and this facility represents a severe threat to water sources. Increased truck traffic transporting waste will disrupt the tranquility of our community and contribute to pollution, emitting harmful gases and spreading offensive odors. Sludge also raises the risk of river and lake pollution.

Composting facilities are known emitters of methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping atmospheric heat (source: IPCC). This exacerbates climate change, an issue already affecting our planet. Also, improper management could contaminate groundwater, degrading our water quality over time and directly threatening our health and well-being.

We cannot allow this to happen. We must act now to safeguard our community, environment, and way of life. I urge our local government to reconsider this plan. Sign this petition to oppose the proposed facility and protect our local environment and quality of life. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a safe, healthy, and thriving future for all.