-- HB 1364, Monitoring Bill Passes Unanimously in the House of Delegates ---- Measure provides for local control and resources for testing and monitoring of these industrial waste residuals, also known as “industrial sludge”--
Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R -97th House District) reports the unanimous passage of House Bill (HB) 1364 by the House of Delegates today. HB 1364 will allow local governments to provide for greater testing and monitoring of the land application of industrial residual waste, receive funds for this enforcement, and remit the fee to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This program is built upon the existing monitoring practice for biosolids.
“We must guarantee the citizens of my District and the Commonwealth that land application of industrial sludge is safe and monitored for potential on-going environmental impacts. The 97th District is a rural area with sensitive natural resources and an aquifer that must be protected. We are also a community with a strong farming heritage. Many residents depend on wells for water so it is vital that we take measures to protect our water resources including surface water and wells from contaminates that are applied to the surface,” asserted Peace.
Unfortunately, Peace’s HB 1363 legislation to place a moratorium on industrial residuals application failed to be reported from the House Agriculture subcommittee to which it was assigned despite having a motion to advance the bill. Peace said “While I am disappointed that my legislation to place a moratorium on the application of industrial residuals failed, I am confident that local governments can successfully establish the process to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents and our community.”
HJ 516, patroned by Del. Buddy Fowler, which would have directed the Department of Environmental Quality to study the long-term effects of the storage and land application of industrial wastes and sewage sludge on public health, residential wells, and surface and ground water, also failed to report from committee.
Del. Ware’s bill, HJ 506, to direct the Department of Environmental Quality to study the long-term effects of the storage and land application of industrial wastes and sewage sludge on public health, residential wells, and surface and ground water reported from subcommittee by a vote of 4-0 and will be heard by the full committee.
Delegate Chris Peace is frequently rated one of Virginia’s most business-friendly conservatives. Peace’s voting record shows a consistent focus on opposing tax increases, protecting family values defending the Constitution and promoting job creating and a high quality of life in Hanover, King William, and New Kent counties.