Today is Earth Day.  It is a time for all citizens to evaluate our connection with the Earth. It’s a very special day for people like me, whose job is centered on protecting and enhancing our natural environment.  This year’s theme is “Restore Our Earth”, a perspective of optimism following a challenging year impacted by a global pandemic and climate change.

The Virginia Biosolids Council Code of Good Practice has been providing guiding principles to its members for more than a decade. Like anything else, the Code requires constant review and, if appropriate, updating. Our Code received a thorough evaluation in 2020, and that work resulted in what we consider to be valuable and significant amendments.

The Weatherly family has a long history in the farming industry. The Weatherly farm was started in the 1930s by Scott Weatherly’s grandfather. After being passed down to Scott’s father, Scott joined his father in farming in 1986 and then took over the farm in 2012.  The farm, spanning over 130 acres in the City of Chesapeake, has seen great harvests of cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat — rotating with spikes in price, demand, and the weather.

Technology has been a major factor in their recent success, allowing Weatherly to take advantage of many resources to increase their yields. In fact, he has managed record-breaking yields, while also serving as stewards to the environment in utilizing nutrient management plans, satellite, and steering technology.

Recently, in a memo from David P. Ross, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), clarification was provided to the land application of Exceptional Quality (Class A) biosolids.

According to the memo, its purpose is “to provide EPA’s interpretation of 40 CFR § 503.10, specifically §§ 503.10(e), (f), and (g), regarding whether certain land application requirements apply to entities, including a treatment works or a soil blender, that derive material from Class A EQ sewage sludge.”

Creamfield Farms is about 4,000 acres of row crops, primarily corn, soybeans, and wheat, with rape, canola seed, grain sorghum and hay. Creamfield’s land extends across state lines into North Carolina.

Like many of today’s farmers, Grayson Kirby, manager of Creamfield Farms, focuses his attention on research and technology to guide the management direction of his work – and that includes the use of biosolids as an important component of his farm management.

Running a cow-calf operation is no small task for Bobby Maass on his 300-acre grass farm.  A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Maass returned to Dinwiddie, where he pursued his career off the farm as well as growing his herd from 10 to 75 heifers.  His operation is grass fed.  He bales hay primarily for horses and only uses bales for his own herd when required by snowy, wet weather or when his obligations for his job keep him off the farm.  Maass also participates in the Amelia Cattlemen Association’s Virginia Replacement Heifers Program, returning heifers to the home farm or market.

The Virginia Turfgrass Council and its members promote turfgrass improvement and best management practices by encouraging high quality research, education and engaging in advocacy efforts to ensure quality practices across the Commonwealth. Critical to this effort is understanding soil health – which is why the Council has had a close and long-term relationship with the biosolids community.

The recycling and land application of biosolids on family farms is a productive and beneficial reuse of by-product of an essential public service. Just ask Dr. Wade Thomason, Professor, Grain Crops Extension Specialist, with Virginia Tech, who for years has researched the use of organic nutrient sources to improve crop nutrition while maintaining the principles of land stewardship. 

As COVID-19’s impact continues to escalate and anxiety rises, it can be difficult to know where to look for accurate information, specifically related to the functionality of existing municipal utility processes to protect public health and safety.

Some municipalities have been switching to produce EQ biosolids that can be used locally in urban landscapes. These municipalities promote the use of EQ biosolids products for urban agriculture due to their beneficial effects on soil rehabilitation, vegetable production and carbon sequestration in the cities.