Family Fun Day aims to raise funds and awareness

When the issue at hand has to do with sewage and sludge, it might be a good idea to have a little sense of humor, however serious the problem.

Though the residents and businesses surrounding a proposed “sludge lagoon” are indeed quite serious about getting it stopped, the group isn’t taking itself too seriously in naming. Fight the Sewage Sludge Lagoon Family Fun Day is set for Sunday, July 28 from noon-6 p.m. at Meadow Lake Park in Wooster. The admission fee is $15.

The group’s name, Canaan Residents Against Pollution, for example, creates the acronym CRAP. “It is potentially a very serious problem on many levels,” said event organizer and Meadow Lake Park owner Ron Jarvis. “The Quasar Energy Corporation is planning a 10- million gallon, 6-acre, open air sewage pond. It would consist of human waste from the Wooster sanitary sewage system, filled with biosolids, as it’s called.”

Jarvis and residents fear immediate and future problems associated with the pond. “The liner for the pond is proposed to be clay, and the high clay content of the soil pretty much means no liner. The odor from these ponds, as we’ve learned, is horrendously awful, just a terrible stench. The water table at that location is at a high level. So that’s pollution for ground, water and air. Going forward, area property values, based on other locations, are projected to drop by 30 percent or more.”

Jarvis claimed the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has not intervened to stop the proposed sludge pond. “There were meetings but the permit to install was issued.” The group has filed an appeal with the state, but the process of filing, obtaining legal council , the advice of consultants and other matters will cost at least $35,000. “And that’s why we’re holding this fundraiser,” said Jarvis.

Attempts to reach Quasar Energy Group for comment were unsuccessful. According to the firm’s website, “Quasar Energy Group develops biomass waste-to-energy technology utilizing anaerobic digestion. This system converts readily available biomass sources (food waste, manure, biosolids, crop waste) into biogas that can be used as electricity and thermal heat, natural gas or compressed natural gas. This method of energy production reduces greenhouse gas emissions, diverts waste from landfills, and contributes to cleaner air, water and soil. Quasar’s process produces biogas which is composed of approximately 60 percent methane, the principle ingredient in natural gas.”

Jarvis is a musician who has played with several bands for many years, and the Family Fun Day will have no shortage of musical entertainment.

“We will have several bands and performers throughout the day,” said Jarvis . Included are Charlie Wiener, Jon Mosey, Gary Bonewitz, David Smeltz, The Country Biosolids, The Stuckey Hill Mob and Long Time Gone.

“Charlie Wiener is is a musician, comedian, author and good friend. He is very socially conscious and we’re glad to have him join us,” Jarvis said.

The Original Wayne County Fair Barbecue Chicken will provide food for $10 per person. Hot dogs will also be available. For children, a bounce slide and corn hole games are planned. All of the amenities of the campground will be available, including catch and release fishing. A 50/50 raffle will help raise additional funds.

Tickets for Fight the Sewage Sludge Lagoon Family Fun Day are available at Meadow Lake Park, or at eventbrite.com. Donations may be made directly to the organization at gofundme.com/canaan-residents-against-polution. The campground is at 8970 Canaan Center Road, Wooster, and on the web at meadowlakepark.com.