The Decatur County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with BASF Chemical Company in Attapulgus to dispose of “nitrate cake” waste for $17 per ton.

The non-hazardous material is contracted for dumping at the Decatur County Landfill for the next two years, though landfill supervisor Suzanne Brandt said the tonnage and contract length are subject to change.

“This could be more tons, this could last longer than what it says here,” Brandt said. “It could be more extensive than the two years, but this gets us started.”

The material is comprised of clay, sodium, silicate and a handful of other chemical compounds.

“I think this particular document places upon the county the obligations to accept and dispose of things properly,” county attorney Bruce Kirbo said. “It places on BASF the obligations that when we receive material, it is not hazardous material. I would point out that if all goes as planned, it’s going to produce revenues of $250,000 per revenue.”