Betting Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Like many legal terms, the words “heirs property” probably do not mean a lot to most Virginians. This concept and the legal structures that surround it has contributed to the loss of family-owned farm and forestland for decades. Thanks to over a year’s worth of hard […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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. […]
By Clara Beaufort, Founder and CEO of GardenerGigs. When it comes to the value of your home, there are so many factors largely out of your control: the quality of schools, the value of nearby houses, the surrounding neighborhood, and more. Focusing on your curb appeal, however, can be a huge boon if you put the […]
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 […]
As COVID-19’s impact continues to escalate and anxiety rises, it can be difficult to know where to look for accurate information, specifically related to the functionality of existing municipal utility processes to protect public health and safety. Municipal utility treatment processes are rigorous, the wastewater is subjected to physical, biological, and chemical processes during treatment […]