SVAREC Project Overview A comprehensive research project to evaluate the fate and transport of PFAS from land applied biosolids is underway at Virginia Tech University’s Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Education Center (SVAREC) in Raphine, VA. A portion of the SVAREC farm has been permitted by VA DEQ for the purpose of conducting research of […]
Publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), wastewater utilities, and drinking water systems often receive PFAS passively from upstream sources. Under CERCLA’s strict liability framework, these entities can face cleanup cost claims despite not manufacturing or intentionally using PFAS. The proposed legislation seeks to narrow that exposure for compliant operations. The “Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act” […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined several PFAS-related actions in its Spring 2025 Unified Regulatory Agenda (published September 4, 2025) that could affect how biosolids are managed and land-applied. While not all changes are final, the direction points to increased scrutiny, more monitoring, and potentially tighter controls where PFAS are present. Why This Matters […]
On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation on sustainable farming, regulatory compliance, and communication with Virginia’s agricultural community. The MOU does not change existing laws or regulations; it sets priorities and processes that […]
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 […]