Zoning will allow biosolids storage

By Justin Faulconer

Published: July 24, 2008

Though Amherst County has no pending permits for land application of biosolids, officials are still taking steps to regulate its storage here.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously July 15 to allow storage of biosolids — treated material from wastewater plants used as fertilizer — as a special exception on land zoned for agriculture.

The zoning change requires the sewage sludge be used solely for land application. It cannot be stored for more than 45 days.

Only Class A or B biosolids, which differ in pathogen level, can be stored. Applicants would come before the Board of Supervisors, which would determine if the proposed facility would adversely affect the surrounding area or public safety.

Supervisors are also requiring written information from haulers of biosolids prior to its storage on property in the county.

The county already has a biosolids ordinance, which allows it to do its own testing of biolsolids, which some people fear raises health concerns.

David Orvos, a Sweet Briar College professor, is assigned to local monitoring.

The board’s July 15 public hearing on storage regulations drew a single speaker, who was in favor.

County Administrator Rodney Taylor said that while there are no permits for land application, it is still a safety precaution for the county to move forward with its own regulations.

The storage is the county’s 12th special exception allowed in agricultural zones. Other uses include schools, churches, saw mills, wood yards and feed mills.

Fact Box:

Here’s a look at what must be provided to the Board of Supervisors in writing prior to the storage of biosolids, from the county zoning ordinance.

The class of the biosolids (A or B)

Point of origin

Name, address and phone number of hauler

Scheduled dates of the biosolids being delivered and applied

Name and address of the person, persons or firm receiving the biosolids

The physical address and acreage of the property where biosolids are to be applied

What product or products will be grown and grazed on that acreage

Also, a biosolids map will be placed on the county Web site, showing parcels with approved permits and contact information for the public to address any concerns regarding any possible violations.