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 can improve collaboration and, over time, may influence how land-applied biosolids are managed across the Commonwealth.
The MOU acknowledges the importance of addressing potential contamination, including PFAS. It does not set new limits or mandates, but provides the following:
- Greater emphasis on monitoring, data quality, and source control where feasible.
- More consistent messages from agencies regarding best practices and sampling expectations.
- Continued focus on risk-based management that balances nutrient recycling with environmental protection.
Why This Matters for Biosolids
Biosolids—nutrient-rich organic material recycled from the wastewater treatment process—are widely used to support soil health and crop productivity. The MOU’s emphasis on collaboration, stewardship, and enhanced compliance (including attention to potential contaminants such as PFAS) could shape policy and practice by:
- Encouraging responsible integration of biosolids within sustainable agriculture.
- Improving consistency in guidance, training, and compliance communications for applicators and farmers.
- Supporting data sharing and case studies that highlight safe, effective land application.
Key Elements of the MOU
The agreement outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and VDACS:
- Increase State–Federal Collaboration: Participate in organized meetings, share program updates, and coordinate communications to align expectations and reduce confusion for stakeholders.
- Encourage Ongoing Dialogue: Join roundtables, farm tours, and events to foster honest, recurring discussions with farmers, utilities, and applicators.
- Recognize and Promote Stewardship: Document and share agriculture best practices and case studies so producers can learn from proven approaches.
- Enhance Compliance and Water Quality: Conduct joint trainings and program assessments; refine communications on compliance and enforcement activities.
- Annual Reporting: EPA and VDACS will publish an annual report highlighting achievements realized under the MOU and plans for the coming year.
What Stakeholders Can Expect
- Near-Term: Additional opportunities to engage through roundtables and events; clearer guidance on compliance and stewardship; visibility into how biosolids contribute to soil health and water quality.
- Medium-Term: Refinements to training and outreach materials, with more case studies and success stories; insights from the annual report on priorities and progress.
- Longer-Term: Potential influence on future regulations or management practices as collaboration deepens and data on emerging contaminants and stewardship outcomes accumulate.
Looking Ahead
The annual report called for under the MOU is anticipated to provide transparent updates on collective achievements, priorities, and next steps. This public-facing accountability will help stakeholders understand how cooperative efforts are supporting sustainable agriculture and water quality—key pillars of responsible biosolids use in Virginia.