How is land application of biosolids regulated?
VDH encourages counties/municipalities to adopt an approved local ordinance related to biosolids use to assure local monitoring and protection of county lands, as well as assure the safety and welfare of all those who live, work, and play in the county. Each locality approved to use biosolids may hire a local monitor for the program. VDH and the local monitor will closely monitor the use of biosolids on county lands as a soil amendment and enforce regulatory requirements. Each potential application site will have site specific requirements including the testing of soils and biosolids before land-application, nutrient management plans, disclosure to the public and land owner, detailed monitoring and reporting, and county-led inspections. While no evidence has been found of an urgent public health risk from exposure to land-applied biosolids, studies have found that the science used to determine federal standards needs to be updated as chemicals, treatments, and technologies have changed
