Virginia Pollution Abatement Permit Program

Sewage Sludge, Biosolids, Industrial Wastes, Municipal Wastewater, and Animal Waste

The treatment of sewage sludge, storage and land application of biosolids, industrial waste (sludge and wastewater), municipal wastewater, and animal waste are regulated activities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  A Virginia Pollution Abatement permit may be issued by DEQ whenever an owner handles waste and wastewater in a manner that does not involve discharging to a sewage treatment work, or to state waters pursuant to a valid Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit.  In general, land application of industrial waste or spray irrigation of industrial and municipal wastewater is covered by a Virginia Pollution Abatement individual permit.

Animal feeding operations (AFOs) are covered by a Virginia Pollution Abatement individual or general permit.  A separate Virginia Pollution Abatement general permit covers confined poultry feeding operations for poultry waste management. VPDES permits may be required for some concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).