Orange County, VA: Biosolids Permit Reissue is In Process Now
Residents of Orange County succeeded in submitting more than 25 comments to DEQ requesting a public hearing on this permit application to spread biosolids (treated sewage sludge) on
2,565 acres of farm and forest land.
Now, Orange County needs YOU to show up on October 23rd. It’s our chance to demand that DEQ protect our farmers and all the people who rely on them.
DEQ must test biosolids for PFAS
Farmers have a right to know!
Public Hearing
October 23, 2025
6:00 pm
11282 Government Center Drive
Orange, VA
More About Biosolids
“Biosolids” is the industry term for treated sewage sludge. For decades, the industrial players behind sludge have worked to convince farmers that putting biosolids on their fields as fertilizer is safe, and they give farmers the sludge for free or very low cost.
But over the past several years, evidence has mounted that biosolids are a significant source of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” because they resist normal decomposition and decay in the environment. PFAS have been linked to several cancers, fertility problems, and developmental effects in children. They are toxic and even deadly to humans, livestock, fish, wild game, and wildlife.
In effect, we are contaminating our soils, streams, livestock, and food in exchange for free fertilizer. The benefits of this exchange go to the wastewater treatment plants and sludge haulers like Synagro, while the farmer is left with all the problems of contamination.
Watch.
This story recently played on ABC and Fox affiliates across the nation. It’s an excellent overview of the issue and worth sharing with everyone you know!
Tap the image to watch on ABC4 News.
Read.
A fact sheet from the Minnesota Dept of Agriculture explains how PFAS accumulate up the food chain. (Virginia has not published any similar fact sheets on PFAS).
Tap the image to view and download the pdf.
Learn.
You can find much more information about PFAS in biosolids right here on the Don’t Spread On Me website. Click on the buttons below to visit other pages with informational resources we have compiled.
Where are they spreading?
Orange County is covered by two VPA permits that have been issued by DEQ. The total land area that has been permitted in the county is:
9,000 acres @ an average of 3 tons of sludge per acre
Tap the map for an expanded view.
This map was created using the ABRA Biosolids Application Areas map, built by the Allegheny Blue Ridge Alliance. The brown areas indicate that they have been permitted for sludge application.
The yellow dots on the map are from well water tests conducted by the Virginia Department of Health, showing elevated levels of PFAS in the water.
How Do I Avoid PFAS?
Unfortunately, PFAS has been used in so many products and for so many years, that these “forever chemicals” are literally distributed across the globe. You cannot completely avoid them, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure.
There are many sites and social media posts with suggestions and info about PFAS. We like this guide from cleanwater.org, which includes a downloadable fact sheet. Click the button below to access it.
Get All the Details
You can learn more about the Orange County permit by visiting the VPA Public Notices page of DEQ’s website. Scroll to the blue accordion list of counties with permits in process and click on Orange County.
You’ll see details of the public hearing, DEQ contacts, and you can download the permit applications for each property owner, listed at the bottom by name. Click on the name and you’ll find applications that have detailed maps, that outline crop and livestock restrictions, have other site-specific data and a list of property owners within 400 feet of the areas that will receive the biosolids.
Questions? Comments?
Use the button below to get in touch with Orange County Biosolids Council, the citizen organizers in Orange County.
Know the Truth.
If you are someone who applies biosolids you should consider:
Different sources of sludge have different degrees of contamination of PFAS, Forever Chemicals.
Wastewater treatment plants that have tested their sludge for PFAS have always found it
The contracts you sign for biosolids applications often place all of the liability arising from harm due to biosolids on the farmer. Closely examine the liabilities you have assumed.
More and more lawsuits are being filed because of biosolids every year.
When you sell your property, do you know how it will be valuated after biosolids applications?
Many farmers are suspending biosolids application until this issue is resolved.
Graphic by Waterkeepers Chesapeake
Know your rights.
If you are someone who lives adjacent to where biosolids are being applied, you should know your rights.
DEQ must respond to written complaints of over-spreading and odor
DEQ is required to extend the setbacks
for schools and businesses open to the public
Homes/property lines of residents with a doctor's signature
people who have "sensitive odor receptors" and
people who are "susceptible to infection from pathogens"
Raise a flag about streams, creeks, wildlife, and the environment.
Know what’s happening.
If you are a concerned citizen, you should know what’s happening in your community.
Show up on October 23rd to speak out
Contact your supervisor and tell them of your concern for the community, wildlife and marine life
Contact your state representatives and communicate your concerns. The more people that do, the more they will take this seriously
Protect yourself, your family, your health
Beginning this winter, biosolids will be spread all across Orange County on over 9,000 acres so time is of the essence.
Get the Facts
Read, download, print and share this fact sheet about biosolids in Orange County.