Land Application

Sewage Sludge and Biosolids

Land application of treated sewage sludge or biosolids is a regulated activity by DEQ and (currently) Virginia Department of Health. Since Virginia Department of Health adopted the Biosolids Use Regulations in 1994, land application of biosolids by contractors has been covered under the operation permit issued by Virginia Department of Health. This regulatory structure will change on January 1, 2008.  See “Changes in Virginia Biosolids Regulation”.

Industrial Waste

For land application of industrial waste (sludge and wastewater), the Virginia Pollution Abatement permit application requires a conceptual design of the treatment works, including the storage facility and land area determination. The assimilative capacity analysis for nutrients, metals, and any other pollutants of concern should be conducted to demonstrate that adequate land base is provided. Since the Virginia Pollution Abatement Permit Regulation does not prescribe any technical standards, the staff uses other resources as well. 40 CFR Part 503 and the Biosolids Use Regulations, adopted by the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Nutrient Management Standards and Criteria (Department of Conservation and Recreation, Revised 1995), are the technical guidelines used in evaluation of land application of industrial wastes. In order to maintain consistency among the regions, several guidance memos have been issued for land application of specific categories of waste. These include residuals from the food processing industry and from water treatment plants.

Municipal Wastewater

Unless the wastewater treatment works maintains an option to discharge pursuant to a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, a Virginia Pollution Abatement permit is required for land application of treated municipal wastewater. DEQ's Sewage Collection and Treatment Regulations prescribe the design, operational, and maintenance standards for the municipal wastewater treatment works and land treatment systems, and the pretreatment standards of the wastewater being land applied. DEQ staff will consult with Virginia Department of Health during the permitting process regarding health related issues.