The Richmond Circuit Court on December 14 upheld the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Biosolids Regulations against the Potomac/Shenandoah Riverkeeper’s legal challenge. The Court found there was substantial evidence to support the State Water Control Board’s decision to approve the amendments. The Board was aided by the report of the Expert Panel, which found that […]
This should come as no surprise, but Virginia’s forests are a resource that really enhances the quality of life of her citizens. Our forests are a source of income – from timber harvesting to a variety of forest-related products. The total economic impact of agriculture and forestry-related industries in Virginia is more than $75 billion […]
22Charles City County ‘s population today is only about 1,500 more than it was when our country gained its independence in 1776. It is still a county that has as its border the historic James River, and an economic foundation grounded in agriculture and forestry. One of many farms that populate the historic land in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]