I.) The commissioner shall appoint a committee to advise the commissioner on issues related to implementation and administration of this chapter. The committee shall consist of at least eight appointed members and four ex-officio members as specified in this section. Advisory committee membership should be representative of large size and small size communities and industries and their consultants. The advisory committee shall contain a maximum of 25 members.
II.) Organizations. The appointed committee members shall be selected from organizations such as:
1.) The Virginia Association of Counties (VACO) and a representative, such as a local monitor, of a County with sites permitted for land application of biosolids in accordance with this chapter;
2.) Virginia Municipal League (VML), the Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies (VAMWA) and the owners of medium and small flow treatment works;
3.) Virginia Professional Societies (i.e., Engineers and Soil Scientists) and regional wastewater organizations such as the Virginia Water Environment Association;
4.) Biosolids consultants and contractors
5.). State university and college faculties
6.) Agricultural Industry, the Virginia Farm Bureau and a farmer with land permitted in accordance with this chapter.
7.) A medical professional and an 'at large' citizen representative.
III.) Consideration shall also be given to appropriate citizens who are not members of these organizations and other interested parties and groups such as citizens conservation organizations.
IV.) Terms. All terms for appointed members shall be four years in duration, and members should not be appointed for more than two consecutive terms. Up to one-half of the appointed members shall serve an initial term of two years with subsequent terms of four years. The ex-officio members are:
1.) The Director of the Office of Environmental Health Services
2.) The Director of the Division of Wastewater Engineering
3.) The Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Nutrient Management Program
4.) The Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may designate ex-officio members from their staff.
Each committee member may designate an alternate to serve when necessary. The Secretary to the Committee will be a staff member of the Division.
V.) Purpose. The function of the Committee will be to meet, discuss issues, and make recommendations directly to the Commissioner, concerning the regulations and standards contained in this chapter and other policies, procedures, and programs for regulating biosolids use and associated fees. The committee will meet semi-annually or more frequently at the call of the Chairman. The Committee's meeting will be advertised and open to the public, and comments and recommendations from the public will be received.