The Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech will conduct three informational webinars later this year on biosolids.
The webinars are designed to provide local officials – administrators and their staff, elected officials, planners, local attorneys and other interested individuals – basic information about biosolids.
The Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences provides teaching, research and outreach on environmental and agronomic (crops and soils) sciences. Currently more than 230 students are enrolled in its two undergraduate degree programs, Environmental Science, and Crop and Soil Science, and more than 60 graduate students are studying for M.S. or Ph.D. degrees.
According to Dr. Greg Evanylo, Professor and Extension Specialist, it seemed like a good time to provide basic information on biosolids, its regulations and how it is used on farms and forests in Virginia. “Since the new comprehensive biosolids regulations managed by DEQ are now being implemented, and there are so many people who may be unfamiliar with biosolids, it seemed like a good time to provide general background on this material.”
The three webinars are scheduled for November 18, from 1:30-3:00 p.m.; December 4, 10-30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; and December 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Look for specific registration information for each of the webinars in October. Subject matter for each webinar is provided below:
SESSION ONE: Basic Information
WHEN: November 18, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
- Introduction to Biosolids – Dr. Greg Evanylo, Virginia Tech
- Understanding biosolids generation – Mr. Chris Peot, DCWater
- Virginia’s biosolids regulatory program – Mr. Neil Zahradka, DEQ
- Summary & Questions – Dr. Greg Evanylo
SESSION TWO: What’s in biosolids that would impact health or environment
WHEN: December 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Heavy metals and nutrients – Dr. Greg Evanylo, Virginia Tech
- Trace organics – Dr. Kang Xia, Virginia Tech
- Pathogens – Dr. Brian Badgley, Virginia Tech
- Summary & Questions – Dr. Greg Evanylo
SESSION THREE: Biosolids use and management
WHEN: December 16, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Agriculture and urban soils – Dr. Greg Evanylo, Virginia Tech
- Reclamation and disturbed lands – Dr. Lee Daniels, Virginia Tech
- Forestry – Dr. Tom Fox, Virginia Tech
- Summary & Questions – Dr. Greg Evanylo