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DEQ briefs board on Synagro biosolids permits, Rappahannock withdrawal, and pipeline permit schedules
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Summary
DEQ staff updated the board on controversial permitting matters including Synagro biosolids permit modifications and reissuances (PFAS concerns drove public comment), a Caroline County surface‑water withdrawal permit for the Rappahannock River, and draft permits and public‑hearing schedules for large pipeline projects (Transco and Mountain Valley).
DEQ staff provided a multi‑item briefing on controversial permits and major pipeline projects during the Nov. 18 meeting.
Bridal Thomas (DEQ Water Resources Division) summarized several permit actions: Synagro Central LLC holds county‑specific Virginia Pollution Abatement (VPA) permits for land application of treated biosolids; Synagro requested a modification in Essex County (for additional acreage) but that permit action is paused at the applicant’s request while the Orange County reissuance proceeds. Thomas said public comments on the Synagro permits have focused primarily on PFAS in biosolids. "The comments we're receiving on the permits, particularly on biosolids, pertain specifically to PFAS," the presenter said.
Thomas also reviewed a Caroline County Virginia Water Protection permit (VWP 20‑0514) for a new surface‑water withdrawal intended for public water supply (15‑year term); the item has had two hearings and DEQ expects permit action later this month. She briefed board members on the Loudoun County Waterford Sewage Treatment Plant VPDES reissuance and the Arlington County reissuance, with public‑hearing and comment schedules extending into the winter.
DEQ’s presentation on pipeline matters noted two projects: Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Co. (Transco) Southeast Supply Enhancement (Eden Loop, 42‑inch) — DEQ processed a VWP permit and an Upland 401 water‑quality certification with public hearings in October and anticipates final action in December 2025 — and the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate (30‑inch), which was noticed in the spring and has a public‑comment period and hearings scheduled through January. On Mountain Valley, DEQ reported the project is approaching permanent stabilization in many segments but that some areas still require the two full growing cycles needed to certify permanent stabilization; the presenter noted ongoing inspections and a small number of compliance actions.
What happens next: DEQ will hold summary‑of‑public‑comment hearings where required, address technical issues raised during comment, and schedule permit actions per the timelines presented; Synagro’s Essex permit is on hold pending the applicant’s sequencing decision.
