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 … Read more
Wastewater analysis across Virginia has revealed an uptick in the prevalence of COVID-19, signaling a renewed focus on the virus’s spread in the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia currently ranks in the “Very High” category for the viral load of COVID-19 present in its wastewater. This method of … Read more
In a recent event that has sparked concern among local residents and environmentalists, approximately 100 gallons of green-dyed diesel fuel were spilled into the Elizabeth River, Norfolk, during a refueling operation involving a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship. The mishap occurred on Friday morning when a hose coupling malfunctioned while fuel was being … Read more
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose an enduring threat to Virginia’s drinking water, a situation brought to the forefront by a plane crash over two decades ago. This incident at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore highlighted the indestructible nature of PFAS and set off a chain of events that continue to impact … Read more