At its scheduled meeting on June 30, 2025, the Virginia State Water Control Board approved unanimously amendments to biosolids permit requirements following approval of House Bill 2517 (Runion) in the 2025 General Assembly.
The legislation amends Section 62.1-44.19:3 of the Code of Virginia to say that permitting requirements shall not apply to any land application of biosolids for a research project when the land is owned and operated by an institution of higher education in Virginia.
The legislation specifies the following:
- That at least 30 days prior to commencing any land application, the institution shall notify DEQ and the owners of adjoining properties of its intent to land apply:
- And, the institution is obligated to comply with setback and recordkeeping requirements as outlined in the VPA Permit Regulation.
The provisions of this act will expire on July 1, 2030.
VBC worked closely with Del. Chris Runion on HB2517 as one of its priority measures in the most recent Session of the General Assembly. This means that any research project in Virginia – and there are currently several ongoing – would streamline a researcher’s ability to move swiftly to the research, as opposed to waiting several months, if not a year or more, before the project could begin due to permitting.
“With so many moving parts to any significant research project, we would like to think that understanding more about biosolids should not have to wait unnecessarily for a permit before that research can begin,” said John Uzupis, President of the Council. “I would especially like to thank Del. Runion for spearheading this important initiative.”
The Department of Environmental Quality made a staff recommendation to adopt the amendments as final regulations, authorize publication, and affirmed to the Board it will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by an interested person with respect to these revisions. The SWCB approved the staff recommendation by unanimous vote.