en.Wedoany.com Reported - After a citizen initiative collected over 1,100 signatures calling for stricter oversight of a biosolids processing project, the Sanford City Council unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium, temporarily halting the $65 million sewage sludge gasification plant proposed by Tennessee-based Aries Technology.

City leaders stated that the pause will provide time to develop new regulations for such facilities in response to public opposition.

The proposed Aries Technology facility would use high-temperature gasification to convert municipal sewage sludge into electricity and break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." The company promotes this technology as a solution for managing biosolids and eliminating persistent pollutants.

However, local residents expressed concerns about the proposed Cyro Drive site, noting its proximity to the Mossam River, wetlands, and a permeable aquifer that supplies drinking water to the area, posing potential risks to water quality and air emissions.

Community members welcomed the city council's decision, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen environmental protections before considering similar industrial developments. The city council also established an industrial development standards task force to review zoning and environmental safeguards for future projects.

Aries Technology has not publicly responded to requests for comment following the city council's decision.

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