Board approves special use permit to allow routine storage of Class B biosolids at Island Creek Road site amid neighbor concerns

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors voted April 14 to approve a special use permit allowing the routine storage (beyond 45 days) of Class B biosolids in an existing agricultural storage building on a farm off Island Creek Road.

Planning staff (Abigail Currington) said the application (SU25‑0001) concerns a 47.219‑acre parcel currently zoned AP adjacent to 2815 Island Creek Road; the applicant seeks to retain a 50‑by‑100‑foot agricultural building for storage of biosolids in a routine‑storage classification administered by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Planning staff noted the on‑farm storage exemption covers short‑term storage up to 45 days; storing beyond 45 days requires approval. The planning commission recommended approval, subject to staff conditions and an added condition the commission requested.

Applicant representatives described the building, said it was constructed during winter 2023–24 to DEQ specifications (impermeable underlayment, reinforced concrete floor, 11‑foot concrete walls on three sides and a covered roof) and said the material arrives from the Lynchburg wastewater treatment plant in a treated, stabilized form. The applicant said the routine‑storage designation will allow the farm operator and Synagro (hauler) to accumulate material during weather or timing constraints and then distribute to other permitted farmers in Bedford County when field conditions allow. The applicant emphasized the facility reduces repeated field traffic and prevents spreading during weather that would damage fields.

Several residents spoke in opposition or with concerns. Nancy Socaras (neighbor) and another resident raised questions about potential health risks, persistent organic pollutants (including PFAS), the number of trucks entering the site, odor, property‑value impacts and whether neighbors had adequate notice. A resident (Yvonne) cited studies and expressed concern about long‑term contamination and food‑chain exposure. The applicant replied with technical detail: he said Lynchburg’s treatment process involves lime stabilization producing a high pH and temperature during treatment (described as reaching sterilization temperatures for a required period), and that DEQ and EPA sampling and permitting regulate material that is eligible for land application; material failing those standards must go to landfill. Applicant representatives also described management practices (minimum clipping height for forage, 30‑day grazing restrictions after application) intended to reduce exposure risks.

After discussion, Supervisor Tuck moved to approve Resolution R141425‑6 granting the special use permit subject to the staff and planning‑commission conditions. Supervisor Bainsley seconded; the board approved the resolution on a unanimous roll call vote.