Sewage sludge; authorizes a locality to prohibit land application. (HB186)

Introduced By

Del. Todd Gilbert (R-Woodstock)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Authority to prohibit land application of sewage sludge.  Authorizes a locality, by ordinance, to prohibit the land application of sewage sludge within its boundaries; makes clarifying amendments. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/09/2012Committee
01/09/2012Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/12 12101765D
01/09/2012Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
01/17/2012Impact statement from DPB (HB186)
01/18/2012Assigned ACNRsub: Agriculture
01/30/2012Subcommittee recommends continuing to 2013
02/01/2012Continued to 2013 in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources

Comments

Linda Hosay writes:

Finally. This bill should be passed for the protection of soil and water health. This bill should be passed for the protection of human health. This bill should be passed because localities should have the power protect their citizens and local environment. Sludge has been found to contain many contaminents that are not usually tested for. The RIGHT TO FARM should not mean the right to poison.

JTWalker writes:

Sewage sludge's origin is the treatment works of municipal systems. Why shouldn't this resource return nutrients to the land in a safe and monitored manner? Farmers gain crop productivity, streams and rivers benefit from reduced nutrient loads and residents benefit from lower sewerage fees due to savings in operating and transporting costs.
There are too many NIMBY reactions to common sense measures which provide benefits which the public has not been well informed about. Take the politics out of environmental regulations, and return to common sense solutions which are well supported by science.

Bernadette Barber writes:

I agree with Linda Hosay... Right to Farm is not right to poison. I live in an area where the sludge gets put on the land...and it is neither pleasant nor safe. How would you like to have your drinking water well on the land where biosolids were applied? What we need is the right to farm for SMALL farmers... please see www.virginiafoodfreedom.org