Biosolids Program

Definition

The land application of Biosolids is regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. "Biosolids" are mostly organic solids resulting from the treatment of wastewater that have undergone additional treatment to kill pathogens and have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for land application as a fertilizer and soil amendment in accordance with 9VAC25-31 or 9VAC25-32.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the State agency responsible for the implementation of these regulations and the issuance of a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Abatement (VPA) permit, which authorizes the land application of Biosolids on a specified field and lists the site specific management practices associated with that approval. VPA applications must demonstrate that the facility and Biosolids use management practices will adequately safeguard public health and will comply with the certificate and permit requirements, as appropriate.

Division of Environmental & Land Development

The Goochland County Community Development Department's division of Environmental and Land Development component serves as the local monitor for the land application of Biosolids Program. The role of the local monitor is to verify sign notices, buffer distances and perform site inspections to ensure that the land application of the Biosolids is done in compliance with the stated conditions in the applicator’s approved VPA permit. The local monitor is responsible for advising DEQ of any suspected non-compliance activity. Any enforcement actions necessitated due to non-compliance with the stated conditions of their VPA permit, are the responsibility of DEQ and its staff.