Wastewater surveillance has shown success in monitoring for COVID-19 outbreaks, based on ongoing initiatives underway in Charlottesville and the Hampton Roads area. Two VBC members – Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) and the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority – are at the forefront of this work. This work could prove even more valuable for predicting outbreaks […]
In 2019, approximately 134,000 dry tons of biosolids was beneficially used as a soil amendment on farms and forested lands in Virginia. This represents a little more than was used in Virginia in 2018, and slightly less than applied on farms and forests in 2018. This year – 2020 – based on data provided by […]
Recently, in a memo from David P. Ross, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), clarification was provided to the land application of Exceptional Quality (Class A) biosolids. According to the memo, its purpose is “to provide EPA’s interpretation of 40 CFR § 503.10, specifically §§ 503.10(e), (f), and (g), regarding whether certain […]
Creamfield Farms is about 4,000 acres of row crops, primarily corn, soybeans, and wheat, with rape, canola seed, grain sorghum and hay. Creamfield’s land extends across state lines into North Carolina. Like many of today’s farmers, Grayson Kirby, manager of Creamfield Farms, focuses his attention on research and technology to guide the management direction of […]
Richmond, VA – The Virginia Biosolids Council hosted a virtual informational session on Wednesday, September 23, featuring national experts who highlighted research on wastewater recovery and biosolids recycling. Dr. Greg Evanylo, a member of the W4170 multistate workgroup, presented the group’s research-based rebuttal to the U.S. EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on its […]
Running a cow-calf operation is no small task for Bobby Maass on his 300-acre grass farm. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Maass returned to Dinwiddie, where he pursued his career off the farm as well as growing his herd from 10 to 75 heifers. His operation is grass fed. He bales hay primarily for […]
The Virginia Biosolids Council presented the VBC 2020 Virtual Informational Session Wednesday, September 23 . Click HERE to view a recording. The webinar featured two presentations on matters associated with wastewater recovery and biosolids recycling. Dr. Greg Evanylo of Virginia Tech, a member of the W4170 research group, reviewed research done by the national research group on […]
Biosolids Partnership Critical to Healthy Turf The Virginia Turfgrass Council and its members promote turfgrass improvement and best management practices by encouraging high quality research, education and engaging in advocacy efforts to ensure quality practices across the Commonwealth. Critical to this effort is understanding soil health – which is why the Council has had a […]
Established in 1972, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority is a wholesale provider of potable water treatment and wastewater recovery operation. Rivanna, which is located in Albemarle County along the Rivanna River, is similar to other regional authorities in the mid-Atlantic, providing both water and wastewater services. Rivanna operates six water treatment facilities and four […]
Betting Ring, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Like many legal terms, the words “heirs property” probably do not mean a lot to most Virginians. This concept and the legal structures that surround it has contributed to the loss of family-owned farm and forestland for decades. Thanks to over a year’s worth of hard […]