Amherst officials to discuss sludge letter

The Amherst County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss a letter today opposing the dumping, spreading or discharge of biosolids on land adjacent to the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail.

A firm recently informed the county that it intends to spread biosolids, also referred to as sludge, on land owned by Wesley Wright in northern Amherst County. The 132 acres slated for spreading is adjacent to the trail, which begins at Piney River in Nelson County and follows the river nearly 2 miles to Roses Mill in Amherst County, according to officials.

The board advised its attorney in July to draft a letter to send to the director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality urging it not to allow the spreading of sludge near the trail, based on the smell and potential health risks.

The trail is “arguably the major recreational component” of the county’s northern area and could possibly subject the county to civil liability if users’ health and well-being are negatively impacted, according to a draft of the letter.

The board is set to discuss the document with its attorney during its 1 p.m. meeting today.

Supervisors are also scheduled to discuss changes for several polling places, a boundary adjustment for the county’s no-shoot zone that prohibits use of firearms, a potential relocation for Monelison Fire and Rescue to the Amelon Commerce Center and a resolution honoring the life of Timothy Wayne Pigg, a county firefighter who died recently.

A closed session to discuss hiring a new county administrator is also set for the 1 p.m. meeting, which takes place at 153 Washington St. in Amherst. The board’s evening meeting, which includes two public hearings on zoning related matters, starts at 7 p.m.

To view the agendas and related documents, visit www.countyofamherst.com and click the Government, Board of Supervisors links.