Virginia Communities Push Against PFAS in Biosolids

CLIFF NOTES
● Biosolids used as fertilizer may contain PFAS chemicals.
● Virginia does not currently require PFAS testing of biosolids.
● Residents fear contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water.
● Other states have moved to restrict PFAS-laden sludge.
● Regulatory gaps leave communities responsible for monitoring risk.

In Virginia, the path from household or industrial waste to agricultural soil is shorter than many might expect. Wastewater treatment plants across the state convert sewage into biosolids—treated sludge often repurposed as a low-cost fertilizer. Yet, as awareness grows about the toxic potential of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), many Virginians now question the safety of spreading this material on farmland.

Biosolids offer a practical solution for waste disposal, but when state lawmakers like Sen. Richard Stuart say, “we don’t want it to go in the river anymore, for goodness’ sake,” it reflects mounting alarm about where these substances end up instead—and what’s hiding in them.

Ubiquity of PFAS, Absence of Testing

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have permeated daily life since the 1940s. Found in everything from dental floss to takeout containers, these synthetic compounds resist breaking down and accumulate over time in the environment and human bodies.

Exposure, especially long-term and repeated, can disrupt hormones, impair immunity, hinder fertility, increase cholesterol, and elevate cancer risk. Despite these threats, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) does not currently test biosolids for PFAS, even though it collects water samples from state rivers and creeks. A DEQ dashboard showing PFAS data was even disabled during the reporting of the issue, and the agency’s biosolids permit map hasn’t seen an update since 2020.

Contrasting Approaches: Virginia Versus Other States

Other states have already moved to limit or ban the use of PFAS-laden sludge. Maine banned biosolids outright after PFAS contaminated farmland, poisoned well water, and even appeared in farmers’ blood. Michigan restricts biosolids with high PFAS levels, albeit still allowing limited application.

In contrast, Virginia’s current approach focuses only on setbacks from homes and wells during spreading, along with nutrient management plans. No regulatory requirement mandates PFAS testing in biosolids before they’re applied to farmland.

Scientists and Residents Demand Accountability

Researchers at Virginia institutions are voicing concerns. Shilai Hao at Virginia Tech stressed the need for biosolids testing, explaining that such analysis informs farmers and treatment plants about the safety of using or disposing of sludge. “Testing helps agricultural producers understand whether biosolids-derived products are safe to apply on their farms,” Hao noted.

At the University of Virginia, Bryan Berger pointed to the clear link between biosolids and increased PFAS levels in both drinking water and blood. “There’s a direct correlation,” Berger said. “Why do that to yourself, expose yourself to that risk?”

Personal Impact: Community Resistance Builds

Local advocates like Stuart Overbey in Albemarle County have spent years documenting health complaints and water quality changes linked to biosolids spreading. She recalled a 2024 summer incident where sludge covered nearby roads: “It’s like death. It’s like your body reacts,” she said.

Overbey has proposed county-level legislation requiring biosolids testing, though her proposal awaits consideration by the Board of Supervisors. She has aligned with environmental groups such as the Piedmont Environmental Council and residents of Orange and Albemarle counties to demand public hearings on permit renewals.

County Conflicts and the Role of Synagro

One major player in the biosolids industry, Synagro, is seeking permit renewals and expansions across Virginia. In Orange County, the company aims to add 200 acres for spreading, while removing over 1,100 acres, resulting in 2,564 total permitted acres.

Residents like Jamie McConnell have taken a more active role after learning about PFAS risks. “They didn’t know the extent to which it’s contaminated. It’s an outrage at the DEQ that they won’t test. It’s silly,” he said.

Orange County’s Board Chairman, R. Mark Johnson, wrote to DEQ warning that PFAS has already been found in local waterways, including Pamunkey Creek. “Our farmers deserve to know what they’re putting on their land,” he wrote, “and our citizens deserve protection from forever chemicals.”

Agriculture at a Crossroads: Alternatives Emerge

While biosolids remain a cost-effective fertilizer option, alternatives rooted in regenerative farming are gaining traction. Near Charlottesville, farmer Massey Teel uses a rotational grazing method with his livestock to naturally fertilize his land. He acknowledges the need to manage waste but emphasizes that poor farming practices and lack of ground cover make chemical fertilizers more dangerous during rainfall events.

“It’s not just that those biosolids are being put down,” he explained. “It’s because they have poor ground cover and every time it rains, a huge amount of that fertilizer is going to flow downstream.”

Teel believes state regulation could help prevent environmental damage and promote more sustainable agriculture. “A little more regulation is not a bad thing,” he said.

Legislative Push: A 2026 Battle Ahead

Sen. Stuart has taken note of other states’ stricter standards, especially Maryland’s PFAS limits for sludge. That state’s tougher laws have led to biosolids being exported to Virginia, which lacks comparable safeguards.

Stuart plans to introduce legislation in the 2026 General Assembly to mandate PFAS testing and set limits. “We at least [need to] meet or go below Maryland’s threshold,” he said. He criticized the EPA for maintaining higher allowable limits, suggesting Virginia can’t wait for federal action.

In Essex County, Synagro paused a permit application due to the backlash seen in Orange County. Whether this signals a broader shift remains uncertain, but pressure from community members and scientists continues to grow.

Risks of Inaction: A Warning from Maine

Without state intervention, Virginia could face scenarios like those seen in Maine, where PFAS-contaminated milk had to be discarded and farmland became unusable.

Berger from UVA warned, “If we just let this come to pass… that farmland is lost.” For many in Virginia, this stark possibility underscores the need for immediate regulatory change.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners: Tools for Protection

For homeowners concerned about PFAS, reverse osmosis systems offer a reliable method for filtering these chemicals out of drinking water. These systems push water through a semipermeable membrane, effectively removing even tiny PFAS molecules. Meanwhile, whole-home water conditioners can reduce other harmful contaminants and improve water safety for household use.

In areas near biosolids application sites, installing these systems may offer an added layer of protection against contaminated groundwater. While not a replacement for regulatory safeguards, they represent an important option for concerned residents.

Source: Virginia Mercury