SUNBURY — Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi is concerned that biosolids pose a risk to residents and opposes a Mifflinburg company’s plans to set up a processing facility on county-owned coal land.

“It can cause cancer, and I don’t want to contaminate Northumberland County. We should kill this (proposal) right now,” Clausi said, referring to the use of biowaste on reclaimed coal land.

Ag Lime Biosolids Processing, of Mifflinsburg, wants to set up a portable facility in Mount Carmel Township to mix biosolids with chemicals and create a better quality soil, commissioners Chairman Frank Sawicki said.

He argued that Class B sludge already is being used in the coal lands and that the Class A sludge processed by Ag Lime is better for the environment.

Clausi was firm in opposing any use of biosolids on public property, and minority Commissioner Kurt Masser said he also worries about potential harmful effects it could have.

Public hearings will be held about the firm’s plans if they move forward, but first the commissioners agreed to research the process more before giving it tentative approval.

In other business, the county will hold a surplus equipment sale at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Mountain View Manor, Coal Township. Among the items to be sold are vehicles, computers and chairs.