Northampton County continuing stand against deep injection

In his final County Administrator’s update before retirement, Northampton County Administrator Charlie Kolakowski briefed the Board on recent conversations with officials in Orange County, including a supervisor there who raised concerns about biosolids regulation and PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

Kolakowski said Orange County officials described what they view as a significant regulatory gap: no agency currently conducts routine testing of biosolids for PFAS or similar contaminants, and responsibility for oversight is often passed between state and federal entities. As a result, farmers and landowners lack clear information about what substances are being applied to their fields.

He told the Board that, at minimum, biosolids should be subject to testing and certification requirements similar to those for commercial fertilizers, giving landowners a reliable understanding of what is being spread on their soil. A public hearing on the issue is expected, and county staff are conducting further research.

Kolakowski also reported multiple conversations with Northampton residents regarding proposals from a company called Vaulted Deep involving the deep-well injection of biosolids or related materials. He said every resident he has spoken with has expressed strong concern, particularly given the Eastern Shore’s reliance on a single aquifer. Kolakowski added he has not yet heard a convincing explanation for allowing deep injection.

While Northampton explores zoning options to restrict injection practices locally, Supervisor John Coker and Kolakowski argued that broader statewide action is needed. Board members were encouraged to contact the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Governor’s Office, and the incoming administration to push for statewide regulation, saying a uniform standard would offer far stronger protection than local zoning alone.

Coker said he hopes the county’s zoning ordinance can ultimately make it impossible for any company to identify a site in Northampton suitable for injection activities.