An application for a permit to spread sludge (biosolids) to 5460.9 acres of land in King William County is in progress. The public comment period is open until April 29 for this permit, #VPA 00824. The sludge is given free to farmers to use as fertilizer for their land and crops. What people may not know is that the sewage sludge comes from wastewater treatment plants and contains a long list of metals and chemicals, which are not healthy for humans.
Recently attention has focused on a set of chemicals called PFAS which are in the sludge, commonly called forever chemicals, as they do not break down, and accumulate in the body. Some ailments which can occur from PFAS are cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.
When the sludge is applied, the unpleasant airborne particles can cause dizziness, headaches or more severe reactions. There is a concern for wild animals such as deer or turkey, whose bodies have been contaminated with sludge, and for the hunters and others who consume the meat. Another concern is that heavy rainstorms will carry the sludge into people’s drinking water wells and into streams and other waterways. One of these is the Cohoke Mill Creek, and many will recall the huge effort to save this area from being harmed by a proposed reservoir in the long and successful fight to Save the Mattaponi. It is disheartening to think that this natural area would be degraded by sewage sludge.
There are better ways to be helpful to the farmers and to all residents in King William County. Please help. The link for VPA 00824 which has site locations, maps, and many details is: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits-regulations/public-notices/water/land-application-virginia-pollution-abatement
The permit application is here, with information on how to submit comments and request a public hearing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXYRaSRsaqf4ttbPTxlBR5kt8Y2t52K0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105250658052451949862&rtpof=true&sd=true