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FEDERAL, VIRGINIA
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For your convenience, we have gathered the documents that are linked from other pages on this site and provided links to other resources on the web. All of the PDF documents can be opened and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader. The following fact sheets on biosolids were prepared by the Virginia Biosolids Council. They can be downloaded and opened and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader. 1. Can disease-causing organisms be spread through the air during biosolids land application? 2. Can biosolids harm our streams and groundwater? 4. How do biosolids help soils and crops? 5. How do other states and countries handle biosolids? 6. How do we know that biosolids are safe? 7. Is Staph aureus transmitted by biosolids? 8. How much land is receiving biosolids in Virginia? 9. Biosolids: Frequently Asked Questions. 10. Who supports the land application of biosolids? Federal, Virginia & Local Resources The land application of biosolids is supported by years of scientific research and practical experience, and is regulated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ issues permits and regulates independent biosolids land application contractors and regulates Virginia municipalities that have their own land application programs. DEQ operates under the authority of laws passed by the Virginia General Assembly and the U. S. Congress, as administered by the EPA. These agencies maintain websites that provide an overview of their programs and describe the regulations that they administer. Environmental Protection Agency Virginia Department of Environmental Quality www.deq.virginia.gov/vpa/landapp.html Virginia’s Biosolids Use Regulations (.pdf 508KB) provide a complete reference for Biosolids Land Application in Virginia. The following documents will be helpful to local governments that are interested in operating a local biosolids monitoring program. The Virginia Biosolids Council has prepared an outline of 10 Things that Local Governments Can Do to Manage Biosolids (.pdf 76KB) The Virginia Biosolids Fee Guidance Manual (.pdf 124KB) explains how localities can be reimbursed for local biosolids oversight and monitoring. These national and Virginia organizations provide information on biosolids: The National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) is a voluntary program to promote effective biosolids management involving the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) and U.S. EPA. The Water Environment Research Foundation sponsors research to ensure that the products of wastewater treatment are safe for both the public and treatment plant workers. The mission of the Northwest Biosolids Management Association (NBMA) is to advance environmentally sound biosolids management. Members of the NBMA support the beneficial use of biosolids and have joined forces to meet the challenge of finding safe, economical ways to manage biosolids. The organization's purpose is to share knowledge about biosolids management between member agencies and companies; local, state and federal regulators; and the general public. The Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association (MABA) is a solution-oriented organization, providing technically sound information, leadership and coordination in the field of biosolids management. The MABA advances environmental stewardship through the practical utilization of a valuable resource and furthers the inclusion of biosolids use in the recycling ethic. The Virginia Farm Bureau supports the “use of poultry litter, manure, organic fertilizers, and the state regulated application of biosolids as a source of nutrients on farmland and forestland.” The Virginia Agribusiness Council “supports adoption of county ordinances and appropriate training of local monitors to facilitate local participation in the testing and monitoring provisions of the Virginia Department of Health’s Bio-Solids Use Program.” See 2005 Policy on State Issues. Google Scholar search results for scientific papers and abstracts on biosolids. Can Too Much Safety be Hazardous? A Critical Look at the “Precautionary Principle" (.pdf 52KB) Biosolids Safe for Land Application, UA Researchers Find (.pdf 156KB) |
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