By Jeff Blakley, NRCS Virginia State Public Affairs Specialist LOCUST GROVE — The rolling fields of Brooke Farms will once again welcome farmers, industry leaders and community members on August 7 for the 2025 Virginia Ag Expo. It will be the second time the Chambers family has hosted the state’s largest agricultural field day. Brooke Farms, owned […]
Biosolids are mostly organic solids resulting from the treatment of wastewater. They have undergone additional treatment to kill pathogens and stabilize the material for recycling. During treatment, bacteria and other tiny organisms break sewage down into simpler, harmless organic matter. The organic matter combined with bacterial cell masses settles out to form biosolids. This organic […]
The Council was an early contributor to Phase 1 of the National Collaborative PFAS Project, which created a national network of land application plots where soil PFAS concentrations are now known. Phase 1 of this research evaluated incidence and mobility of biosolids-derived PFAS. The research team, led by Dr. Ian Pepper of the University of Arizona, also analyzed […]
On Tuesday, June 16, the American Water Works Association cohosted a PFAS Policy and Practice Briefing for Congressional Staff focused on the role of local government and essential public services. VBC’s own AlexRenew participated in the discussion, joining representatives from research, local governments and drinking water. The panel was designed to educate congressional staff on […]
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 […]
The Virginia Biosolids Council (VBC) Code of Good Practice has been providing guiding principles to its members for more than a decade. This year’s annual report provides progress on how the Council’s membership performed in 2024. Our members are committed to the VBC Code of Good Practice, which reflects their dedication and ongoing effort to go beyond […]
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin outlined upcoming agency action to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). In this suite of actions, Administrator Zeldin announced a long list that included in part the designation of an agency lead for PFAS, the creation of effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for certain PFAS to stop these […]
As VBC carries out its mission to enrich soil health and increase farm productivity and sustainability, each of our members endeavor daily to improve the earth. We are committed 365 days to wastewater treatment, including Earth Day with a theme of Our Power, Our Planet. We have the power to care for our planet and make […]
May 4-10, 2025, is AWWA Drinking Water Week Make plans now to recognize the essential workers who bring us water each and every day. This annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) serves to highlight the importance of healthy drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of water professionals who keep it […]
There has been increased discussion about the presence of per and polyflouroaklyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids recently; including the February 22, 2025 article, Sludge laced with PFAS goes on Virginia’s farms. Fisherman fear the run-off., that was published by this paper. Nutrient-rich biosolids are a product of the wastewater treatment process. Biosolids are produced when […]