Composting Essential to Rivanna Biosolids Management

Established in 1972, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority is a wholesale provider of potable water treatment and wastewater recovery operation. Rivanna, which is located in Albemarle County along the Rivanna River, is similar to other regional authorities in the mid-Atlantic, providing both water and wastewater services. Rivanna operates six water treatment facilities and four […]

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W4170 Research Committee Rebuts OIG Report

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Multistate Research Committee, known as W4170, recently completed a scientific rebuttal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) report issued in November 2018 titled “EPA unable to assess the impact of unregulated pollutants in land-applied biosolids on human health and the environment.”  The W4170 is the […]

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New PFAS Research Will Improve Understanding

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man made fluorinated compounds which are used for a variety of applications including industrial processing, fire-fighting foams and numerous consumer products by both industry and manufacturers of consumer products. PFAS have been in commercial use since the 1940’s and are abundant in today’s society. These chemicals are […]

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Reuse and Recycling: Long Term Investment in Producing Biosolids at its Best

Protecting public health and the waters of Hampton Roads by treating wastewater effectively is the mission of HRSD, created in 1940 by referendum to restore local waters, beaches for recreation and shellfish grounds for harvesting and consumption. Jamie Heisig-Mitchell, Chief of Technical Services, and Chris Wilson, Chief of Process Engineering and Research, said recently, however, […]

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Interview with Dr. Wade Thomason: Biosolids: Productive and Beneficial

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 […]

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EPA Statement on Biosolids and COVID-19

Recently the U.S. EPA released a statement on whether biosolids (treated sewage sludge) contain SARS-CoV-2 virus and whether biosolids can be land applied safely. The statement says the following: “Existing requirements and guidance help ensure that biosolids are processed, handled, and land-applied in a manner that minimizes the risk of exposure to pathogens, including viruses. […]

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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

It improves soil health; It recycles nutrients; It mitigates climate change by capturing carbon; It reduces fertilizer and pesticide use; It strengthens farm economies; It makes degraded lands vital and useful; It’s Biosolids. And with every use, we’re making Virginia a little greener. […]

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2019 Annual Report for Code of Good Practice

The Board of Directors of the Virginia Biosolids Council (VBC) established a Code of Good Practice to provide guidance for its members on the production and beneficial recycling of biosolids in Virginia and requires the Council to report on its progress annually. The Virginia Biosolids Council Membership of the Council includes representatives of municipal utilities […]

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