PURPOSE OF NOTICE: To seek public comment and announce a public hearing on a draft permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that will allow the land application of biosolids and water treatment plant residuals in Essex County. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: April 16, 2025 to June 4, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING: Monday, May 19, 2025 at the Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department located at 620 Airport Road Tappahannock, VA 22560 at 6:30 p.m. PURPOSE OF HEARING: To obtain input from the public related to the draft permit for DEQ to consider. INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING: May 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the same location PERMIT NUMBER AND NAME: VPA00831 – Synagro Central LLC – Essex County issued by the DEQ pursuant to pursuant to applicable water laws and regulations. APPLICANT NAME AND ADDRESS: Synagro Central, LLC, 1681 Tappahannock Blvd, Tappahannock, VA 22560. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Synagro Central, LLC has applied for the modification of an existing permit that would add an additional 6,637.1 acres of agricultural and silvicultural land at 15 sites in Essex County. The permit authorizes the land application of biosolids and water treatment plant residuals as fertilizer to specific sites, and limits the application of nutrients, metals, and pathogens contained in these materials to amounts that protect water quality and human health. For site-specific information about this application and additional information about the DEQ permitting program for biosolids and water treatment plant residuals visit the following website: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/permits/public-notices/water/land-application-virginia-pollution-abatement-vpa ISSUES RAISED BY PUBLIC: The previous public comment period was from January 8, 2025 to February 7, 2025. The comments received at that time included concerns related to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids; effects of land application on wildlife and shellfish; other contaminants and unknown constituents in biosolids; and protection of public health. HOW TO COMMENT: DEQ accepts comments by hand-delivery, e-mail, or postal mail. All comments must include the name, postal address or email address of the person commenting and must be received by DEQ during the comment period. DEQ also accepts written and oral comments at public hearings. To make a statement at a public hearing, write your name on a sign-up sheet available before the hearing. You may sign up only for yourself. The time allowed for each statement is set by the hearing officer. The public may review the draft permit and application at the DEQ office named below by appointment or may request copies of the documents from the contact person listed below. CONTACT FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, DOCUMENT REQUESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Mattie Jenkins, DEQ-BRRO, 901 Russell Drive, Salem, VA 24513, Phone: 434-907-7739; E-mail: mattie.jenkins@deq.virginia.gov.  

Sponsored by Department Of Environmental Quality
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/