Recently the Council hosted a Session at the most recent Environment Virginia discussing biosolids and public health. VBC members Allison Deines, AlexRenew; Jamie Mitchell, HRSD; joined Rosa Gwinn, AECOM; Lola Olabode, Water Research Federation; and Neil Zahradka, Department of Environmental Quality, to present Protecting Public Health Using Modern Biosolids Management at this year’s Symposium.
Biosolids are among the most studied and researched materials – there are several focused ongoing efforts to further understand biosolids and risks. Those interested in water quality and emerging technologies for protecting water quality were given the opportunity to hear how modern utilities make important decisions with public resources and the decisions a municipal water resource recovery facility (WRRF) make to change its processing technology. Attendees also were provided information on regulatory and other matters related to its biosolids management program, including ongoing biosolids research to understand PFAS and biosolids, and other related research projects to ensure management of biosolids is protective of public health, water quality and the environment.