The use of biosolids as a fertilizer on Virginia’s landscape has been at the forefront of environmental discussions for the last several years. This dialogue has led to several changes in how Virginia regulates biosolids or treated sewage sludge.

 

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality took the lead role in regulating the land application of biosolids on Jan. 1. This is a result of a decision by the 2007 General Assembly to consolidate regulatory programs that previously were administered by DEQ and the Virginia Department of Health. The change takes advantage of DEQ’s existing compliance and enforcement structure and combines permitting requirements, making for a more uniform regulatory program.

 

DEQ will focus on ensuring compliance and enforcing the regulations, and the health department will continue to advise Virginians on the health effects of biosolids.

 

The General Assembly also directed the Secretaries of Natural Resources and Health and Human Resources to convene a panel of experts to study how the land application of biosolids may affect human health and the environment. 

 

Specifically, the panel will consider biosolids as they relate to citizen-reported health complaints, odors, plant crops, water quality and wildlife. The panel, and its human health and environmental subcommittees, will meet through November and submit a final report to the General Assembly next winter.

 

In the meantime, DEQ will continue to implement the existing biosolids regulations with a few additions. These include a $7.50 fee per dry ton of land applied biosolids, unannounced inspections at application sites and a new certification requirement for persons land applying biosolids. People who apply for new permits will also need to implement a plan to manage nutrients.

 

People who have valid permits with the health department will need to apply for a DEQ Virginia Pollution Abatement permit by June 1 or by 180 days from the permit expiration date, whichever is later.

 

The agency is also continuing to hire experts throughout the state to handle permitting and compliance efforts. This group has been conducting unannounced inspections and will support local compliance efforts through training to land appliers and local monitors.

 

This year DEQ will begin reviewing the current biosolids regulations, during which the agency will consider the recommendations of the panel. DEQ will present regulatory changes to the State Water Control Board, and the public will have an opportunity to comment throughout the process.

 

Additional information about the biosolids program at DEQ and the expert panel is available on the DEQ website at www.deq.virginia.gov.

 

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