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HB 1443

Owners of sewage treatment works; land application, marketing, or distributing of sewage sludge.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia bill regulating sewage sludge application to land; passed House 67-29, now in Senate committee addressing environmental and agricultural safety standards.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 853 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1443

Legislative bill overview

HB 1443 regulates how owners of sewage treatment facilities can apply, market, or distribute sewage sludge (biosolids) in Virginia. The bill has passed the House and is currently in Senate committee review, with recent assignment to a subcommittee focused on water usage.

Why is this important

Sewage sludge land application is a common agricultural practice that can improve soil quality and reduce landfill waste, but it carries environmental and public health considerations since treated sludge may contain residual contaminants. The legislation directly affects wastewater treatment plant operations, agricultural land management practices, and potential exposure pathways for Virginia residents and farmland.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental safety standards: Disagreement over what contaminant levels are acceptable in biosolids applied to land and whether Virginia's standards should exceed or match federal EPA requirements
  • Agricultural vs. environmental interests: Tension between farmers seeking cost-effective soil amendments and environmental advocates concerned about chemical accumulation or pathogen persistence in soils
  • Regulatory burden: Whether new permitting, testing, or reporting requirements imposed on treatment facilities are cost-prohibitive or necessary oversight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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