Fauquier County residents decry illegal dumping threatening agricultural land

Fauquier County residents are raising serious concerns about illegal dumping practices that are impacting their community. During the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 13, 2025, a local farmer highlighted the troubling situation involving dump trucks and the unauthorized disposal of materials under the guise of agricultural practices.

The farmer described the detrimental effects of illegal dumping, specifically mentioning a 40-foot terrace near their home filled with asphalt, concrete, and other debris. This situation has raised alarms among residents who feel that Fauquier County has become a dumping ground for surrounding areas, compromising both the environment and local agriculture.

The farmer explained that terracing, a method used to manage runoff and reduce soil erosion, is being misused. Instead of utilizing natural soil, illegal dumping has introduced harmful materials that threaten the integrity of agricultural land. This practice not only affects crop production but also poses risks to the health of the community.

The discussion at the meeting underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to address illegal dumping and protect the county's agricultural resources. As residents continue to voice their concerns, the Board of Supervisors faces pressure to take action to ensure the safety and sustainability of Fauquier County's environment and farming practices.