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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The provisions regarding biosolids are brief. It states: “You may not use human waste for growing covered produce, except sewage sludge biosolids used in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR part 503, subpart D, or equivalent regulatory requirements.” In response to comments over concerns regarding the use of biosolids even in compliance with Part […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Virginia Tech Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences has posted recordings of the entire Introduction to Land Application of Biosolids webinar that was presented in November and December. The webinars are designed to provide basic information about biosolids to local officials—administrators and their staff, elected officials, planners, local attorneys and other interested individuals. […]
Bobby Bagley knew the property well, having lived his youth not far from its location. It’s in the valley, near Staunton, in an area where farms are common. As Bagley tells it, there wasn’t much there. It had been well used by the previous owner and the soils were in pretty poor condition. Returning the […]