Virginia Gov. McDonnell Approves Biosolids Regulations

VA Governor Robert (Bob) McDonnell approved the amended biosolids regulations (amendments to 9VAC25-20 -10, et seq. (Fees), 9VAC25-31-10, et seq. (VPDES), and 9VAC25-32-10, et seq. (VPA)) on June 12, 2013.  The regulations are anticipated to be published in the Virginia Register by mid-July.  Barring any additional action by the Governor, General Assembly, or public comment extension, the regulations will become effective 30 days after publication.

Additional VA legislation of note:

Passed:  SB1279 (and HB2048) moves several water quality programs currently administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Department of Environmental Quality. The Department of Environmental Quality and the State Water Control Board will have oversight of water quality planning and laws dealing with stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas. The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board will have continuing responsibility for oversight of the soil and water conservation districts and of resource management planning. The Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board will continue to be responsible for administration of the flood prevention and dam safety laws. The Board will continue to be staffed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.  Bill status:  Governor – Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0793 under SB1279) 03-APR-2013 (as well as CHAP0756 under HB2048).  Approved by Governor-Chapter 793 (effective 7/1/13).

Passed:  SB1309 (and HB2209) transfers authority for administration of the nutrient management certification program and responsibility for adopting regulations on nitrogen application rates from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board. The bill also empowers the Board to oversee districts’ programs and to allocate general fund moneys to soil and water conservation districts to support their operations. Bill status: Governor – Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0658 under SB1309) on 20-MAR-2013 (as well as CHAP0593 under HB2209). Approved by Governor-Chapter 658 (effective 7/1/13).

HJR609   directs the VA Department of Environmental Quality to study the substances contained in biosolids generated from wastewater treatment facilities that are applied to lands for agricultural purposes. Bill status: left in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee 05-FEB-2013. (See http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?131+ful+HJ609+pdf).  Bill would require DEQ to complete meetings by 13-NOV-2013, and submit report no later than 01-JAN-2014.

HB186     authorizes a locality, by ordinance, to prohibit the land application of sewage sludge within its boundaries; makes clarifying amendments.  Bill status:  left in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee 29-NOV-2012. (See http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?131+ful+HB186+pdf)

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