Amherst County could give OK to biosolids storage

By Justin Faulconer

Published: July 14, 2008

Amherst County officials could today approve regulations in zoning laws that allow storage of biosolids, a form of fertilizer facing some public opposition.

Members of the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission are holding a joint public hearing at 7 p.m. to consider a revision to the county zoning ordinance. The change lets farmers store biosolids on agricultural-zoned land through a special exception process requiring permits.

Like other localities in Central Virginia, Amherst has a biosolids ordinance in place resembling a model drafted by the Virginia Association of Counties.

There are currently no permits pending for land application of biosolids in Amherst, said County Administrator Rodney Taylor. The new regulation would give the county more local monitoring control if applications for permits are filed, he said.

Also today, the two boards plan to hold six other joint public hearings.

Topics include a proposal to rezone two acres on Lakeview Drive in Madison Heights for 22 residential rental units and the regulation of mass drainfields — sewage disposal systems serving more than a single property.

Prior to the evening hearings, supervisors will meet with the Amherst County Public Service Authority at noon. At 1 p.m., the regular board meeting will begin.