Virginia farmer responds to Mother Earth blogs

Started in 1970, Mother Earth News features practical and money-saving information on organic gardening; do-it-yourself projects; cutting energy costs; using renewable energy; green home building and remodeling; rural living; and conscientious, self-sufficient lifestyles. It also addresses, through the use of bloggers, environmental and natural resource matters. Over the last several months one of the publication’s […]

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DC Water launches Bloom Product Website

DC Water, a founding member of the Virginia Biosolids Council, recently launched a website for its EPA-certified ‘Exceptional Quality’ biosolids – called Bloom. After water is used in homes and businesses in the District of Columbia and portions of adjacent counties in Virginia and Maryland, it is sent to DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater […]

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VBC Comments on Permits

Recently the Virginia Biosolids Council submitted comments for the public record on two biosolids permits being considered by the Virginia State Water Control Board. During the promulgation of a biosolids permit with the State Water Control Board, when a community provides sufficient interest, there is an opportunity for the public to comment. Modern biosolids recycling […]

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Biosolids improves fields for Louisa County farmer

Ronnie Sharpe’s first experience with biosolids was in 1989. That initial encounter was important. “It (biosolids) was applied during late fall on some pasture. The following summer there was, if I remember, a drought. The first time I was able to cut hay, we got about 100 square bails more than my neighbor, who was […]

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JLARC to conduct study of biosolids

Additionally, there were two studies introduced. One advanced. House Joint Resolution 120, patroned by Del. Steve Landes (R-Augusta), was approved by the Virginia General Assembly. Del. Landes, Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee, represents a portion of the Shenandoah Valley where the recycling of biosolids, industrial material and animal manure is used to support a very […]

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VBC Members Revise and Update Code of Good Practice

When the membership of the Virginia Biosolids Council approved a Code of Good Practice in 2009, it was a decision by the membership to put in writing common sense best management practices that reflect the social responsibility that comes with the land application and recycling of biosolids. At the time, we said, as members, that […]

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General Assembly expands local monitoring program

In 2003 the Virginia General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia to give local governments more oversight over biosolids recycling within their jurisdictions (Section 62.1-44.19:3 of the Code of Virginia). State regulations were then approved authorizing each county to pass a local ordinance and enabling it to assign an individual to monitor the application of […]

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Diversification key to Spotsylvania farm

In an era when farming is becoming increasingly specialized, there are some people who fear that the traditional diversified farm is disappearing. But for long-time Spotsylvania County farmer Walter Gentry diversification of his operations is essential to the success of his 700-acre farm. Nestled not too far from historic Spotsylvania Courthouse, Gentry tends to about 175 […]

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