Virginia SB 784: Bioslurry; prohibiting injection in wells in a groundwater management area.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

LEGISLATION NOT PREPARED BY DLS

INTRODUCED

26106025D

SENATE BILL NO. 784

Offered January 22, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 45.2-1647 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the prohibition of bioslurry injection wells in a groundwater management area.

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Patron—Stuart

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 45.2-1647 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 45.2-1647. Hydraulic fracturing and bioslurry injection wells; groundwater management area.

No person shall conduct any hydraulic fracturing or bioslurry injection in any well that has been drilled through any portion of a groundwater management area declared by regulation prior to January 1, 2020, pursuant to the provisions of the Ground Water Management Act of 1992 (§ 62.1-254 et seq.). For purposes of this section, "hydraulic fracturing" means the treatment of a well by the application of hydraulic fracturing fluid, including a base fluid and any additive, under pressure for the express purpose of initiating or propagating fractures in a target geologic formation to enhance production of natural gas or oil. For the purposes of this section, "bioslurry injection" means the underground injection of any of the following: sewage sludge, manure, agricultural and food waste, and paper sludge.