Comment: Sludge is nasty and has ruin the land and water!
Date published: 3/11/2011
By RUSTY DENNEN
Treated human waste, also known as biosolids, is spread as fertilizer on farms across Virginia, including the Fredericksburg area.
To better control the practice, the state is revising rules on how the industry operates, and is holding a series of public hearings, beginning later this month.
Opponents say the sludge is harmful to the environment and human health; supporters contend it's a safe method of disposal that is cheap and provides farmers with a beneficial fertilizer.
In just one example of the scope of the business, Warrenton-based Recyc Systems Inc. got a permit last year to apply sludge on more than 6,500 acres across two dozen Caroline County farms. At the same time, four companies had applications pending or approved for nearly 60,000 acres in the Fredericksburg area.
Contractors such as Recyc Systems typically are paid for disposing of the material left over from the sewage-treatment process.
Part of the controversy in Virginia has stemmed from the fact that localities are not allowed to regulate or ban use of biosolids.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality started the regulatory revision process in 2008. The Department of Conservation and Recreation also has a role, reviewing companies' nutrient-management plans aimed at keeping nitrogen and phosphorus pollution out of the Chesapeake Bay.
In 2009, a study panel recommended that DEQ examine the regulations, as well as changes related to public notice, permit modification, setback distances, nutrient management, storage, and permit fees, among other items. Changes could result from the study.
For example, under nutrient management, a requirement would be added to assure that alkalinity and potassium levels in the soil are in appropriate ranges prior to biosolids application. Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen are considered major pollutants to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Another proposed change would allow DEQ to extend the buffer around residences from the standard 200 feet to 400 feet, without medical documentation.
DEQ is accepting public comments until April 29. They may be submitted in writing, or at one of four public hearings in Lynchburg, Richmond, Bridgewater and Bealeton in southern Fauquier County.
The Bealeton hearing is April 12, 7 p.m., at Liberty High School. There will be a question-and-answer session prior to the meeting, beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Biosolids are solid, semisolid or liquid materials removed from municipal sewage and treated to be used as fertilizer.
They are divided into two categories: Class A, in which nearly all disease-causing organisms are eliminated; and Class B, which has less restrictive processing standards and more stringent limitations on permitted usage.
--Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Comments may be submitted online at townhall.vir ginia.gov; in writing, addressed to William K. Norris, Box 1105, Richmond, Va. 23218, or william.norris@deq.virginia.gov, ; or at the public hearing.
See the proposed revisions at: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/Get File.cfm?File=E:\townhall\docroot \103\2625\5374\AgencyState ment_DEQ_5374_v2.pdf
Read more:
http://fredericksburg.com//News/FLS/2011/032011/03112011/611890
