1.) The Treatment Works Owner submits a sludge management plan(SMP) to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that contains the appropriate Permit Information and any specific information necessary to evaluate the sludge management operations. If the generator assigns responsibility for managing those operations to a private contractor (agent), the agent must submit a permit application to the VDH for approval of use options such as, land application and distribution and marketing in accordance with the Biosolids Use Regulations (12 VAC 5-585-10 et. sq.). The SMP or a sludge management operating plan, shall describe the management practices as required for issuance of the appropriate permit. The agent can be permitted by VDH, but the generator is responsible for maintaining sludge quality. The applicant shall attempt to notify landowners adjacent to the application site(s) proposed for frequent applications at agronomic rates.
2.) If the plan includes the construction of sludge storage or processing facilities, the owner of this facility must submit final engineering documents, in accordance with the SMP or Biosolids Use Regulations, concurrently with the submission of either the SMP or the operating plan. The owner submits at least three (3) copies of these documents to the appropriate Division Staff.
3.) The OWE staff will evaluate the SMP and request comments from VDH if necessary. The OWE Staff will advise the applicant (through the consultant if applicable) of the technical information necessary to complete the documents. Site investigations may be conducted to verify site suitability and availability.
4.) The OWE Staff will notify appropriate local governments, other concerned agencies and the public in accordance with current statutes and public participation procedures. The VDH may schedule a public meeting in accordance with these statues. However, compliance with zoning requirements and special use ordinances is a matter for the permit applicant to address with the Local Government.
5.) Following receipt and evaluation of comments developed from Agency and Local Government notifications and public participation procedures, the SMP may be approved in accordance with the permit issued by DEQ, or an Operation Permit may be issued by VDH if appropriate.
6.) The construction of biosolids storage or processing facilities may commence upon approval or issuance of a Construction Permit and operation of such facilities may begin following approval of the SMP, or issuance of an Operation Permit as described in Procedure I of this section.