Recyc Systems Inc. already holds a permit allowing it to apply biosolids to numerous other farms in Orange County once every three years. The permit, which expires in 2020, must be formally modified to add other farms to the list.

DEQ staff members explained that the state regulation normally requires a buffer of 100 feet between an application site and an adjacent property line, and 400 feet to an occupied structure.

But in the future, a pending bill awaiting the governor's signature might require a doctor's certificate to obtain an increased buffer, Stuart said.

"Right now, we will give you an extended buffer just because you don't like biosolids," he said.

Nowacki immediately responded with, "I want one!" whereupon Stuart explained that the provision applied only to adjacent landowners, and, since the Lake of the Woods Association holds a 1-foot easement surrounding all the Rapidan Road properties, only the homeowners association would be able to make that request.

LOWA General Manager Phil Rodenberg indicated that his staff would be doing just that.

"We are not against biosolids," Rodenberg said, "but we feel in this particular case it may be inappropriate because of the closeness of the residents and the shopping center. We are going to apply for an extended buffer of 400 feet from the Lake of the Woods property line."

Dan McFarland:
Email: dmcfarland@freelancestar.com