ES Groundwater Committee passes resolution condemning proposed deep well injection

Tuesday’s Eastern Shore of Virginia Groundwater Committee meeting drew a standing-room-only crowd as residents and agricultural leaders voiced strong opposition to a proposed deep well injection project involving poultry and agricultural waste.

Representatives from both Accomack and Northampton counties were in attendance. Early in the meeting, the committee moved discussion of a resolution opposing deep well injection from later business to an earlier agenda item, citing the level of public interest.

Public participation was unanimous in opposition to the project. Speakers from across the Eastern Shore raised concerns about the potential risks of injecting organic waste thousands of feet underground above the region’s sole-source drinking water aquifer.

Jamesville resident Stephen Lawson told the committee that deep well injection of animal waste lacks a proven commercial track record anywhere in the world. He cited alternative uses for poultry waste — including fertilizer pellet production and methane generation already underway on the Delmarva Peninsula — and questioned assurances that underground rock layers would safely isolate injected material from drinking water. Lawson warned that proposed injection pressures could fracture underground formations, potentially leading to irreversible contamination.

Other speakers echoed those concerns. Kerry Jacobson of Wachapreague criticized the cumulative impact of poultry operations on groundwater and said allowing waste injection beneath Eastern Shore soils would be “unconscionable.” Matt Hickman, president of the Accomack County Farm Bureau, also went on record opposing the proposal. Several longtime residents questioned why a material valued by farmers as fertilizer would instead be permanently disposed of underground.

Multiple speakers emphasized that the Eastern Shore has no alternative drinking water source and warned that contamination would carry lasting economic and environmental consequences for agriculture, tourism, and local communities.

Following public comment, the committee turned to a proposed resolution modeled after recent action taken by Northampton County. Member Paul Grossman read the proposed resolution aloud then the committee discussed and amended a draft resolution formally opposing the permitting, construction, or operation of deep well injection facilities on the Eastern Shore.

Committee member Sue Mastyl reported that Delegate Rob Bloxom is working on state legislation in the Virginia General Assembly to prohibit such facilities in areas that rely on sole-source aquifers and to urge state regulators to designate the Eastern Shore as a sensitive groundwater area.

After further discussion and amendments clarifying language and expanding notification requirements to include public health officials and local governing bodies, the committee unanimously approved the resolution.

Committee leaders said certified copies of the adopted resolution will be forwarded to state officials, regulatory agencies, and local boards as part of a coordinated effort to block deep well injection projects on the Eastern Shore.

One concern about action at the state level is the permit was issued federally by the Environmental Protection Agency. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans had staff attend the meeting.

“I’m thankful my staff was able to attend the Eastern Shore meeting on the proposed waste pumping project. This proposal poses serious risks to Eastern Shore water quality and the environment. It was encouraging to see so many concerned citizens show up in opposition to make their voices heard, and I look forward to remaining engaged on this issue in order to protect the interests of Accomack and Northampton,” she said to us in an email.