`Fear In The Fields' Wins National Award

The Seattle Times' investigation of toxic wastes in fertilizers has been awarded the John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Reporting.

The coverage by Duff Wilson began with a two-part series in July titled "Fear in the Fields" and included several follow-up articles. The stories revealed the growing practice of turning industrial wastes - many of which contain such potentially dangerous substances as lead, arsenic and even radioactive material - into fertilizers to be spread on farm fields and gardens.

"This story broke new ground, and its findings are shocking - particularly the fact that the practice of turning contaminated industrial wastes into fertilizer is not only widespread but legal," said Kay Fanning, former editor of the Christian Science Monitor and a contest judge.

The Oakes Award is given to the author of a newspaper or magazine article "that makes an exceptional contribution to public understanding of contemporary environmental issues." It was created in 1993 by friends and colleagues of John Oakes, former editorial-page editor of The New York Times. Wilson will receive a $3,000 prize.