Farmer using human waste to fertilize crops

ALTAMONT, Tenn. (WDEF) – Cox Farm, right up the road from Altamont is reportedly using human waste to fertilize their land.

Grundy County residents are not happy about the resultant smell around their community.

Ann Nunley, the librarian in Altamont said, “I don’t know whats going on in Altamont but the scent will kill you it is horrible out here… it’s been like this for the last three days and I don’t know who to call but something really needs to be done.”

Altamont City Mayor Jana Barrett says she talked to the farmers at Cox Farms and based on what they say, she doesn’t expect the smell to last.

“Just like if they put chicken manure on it or cow manure or whatever, it stinks for a day or two until it sinks into the ground or it rains, but its not going to smell like that for that long,” said Barrett.

She also said she is confident in the safety of using human waste, but wants to do more research on the matter for herself.

“I am just about pretty sure that the EPA or the drug and food administration would not allow them to sell that if it was hazardous.”

Human waste must undergo two different treatment processes before it can be used as fertilizer.

These processes remove pathogens and bacteria that could possibly spread disease.