For Immediate Release Contact: Steve Newman

March 1. 2007 434 385-4065

Newman Announces Agreement with Synagro

to Pull Out of Bio-Solid Storage Locations in
Bedford County

After months of one-on-one negotiation Virginia Senator Stephen D. Newman

announced today that Synagro, who operates the only two bio-solid storage facilities in our
region, will voluntarily shut down their Otterville Road location on or near April 1, 2007. Further,
the agreement with Newman’s office will ensure that the permit for the new storage location near
Route 122 in Bedford will be voluntarily abandoned, and Synagro will ask the governor to sign
Newman’s S.B. 1300.

Over the past few years Central Virginia has worked to find a way to deal with the bio-
solid storage facilities. In particular the concern began in Bedford County when the Otterville
Road location was established. The Bedford Board of Supervisors and many local citizens have
expressed their opposition to this storage location. Next, the residents have opposed the new
proposed, and permitted, storage site located on Laughon Road near Route 122 in Bedford
County.

Newman said, “During our many meetings concerning S.B. 1300 we were able to obtain
support for the measure from the Farm Bureau. We had many very productive conversations
with Mr. Tim Hayes who represents Synagro, a Houston, Texas based company. They
understood that my goal was to provide a way for the local governments to be involved in the
location process of bio-solid storage facilities, and to find a way to close the Otterville location.
In the end, due to “the right-to-farm” and “vested rights” laws in the state, S.B. 1300 could not be
drafted in a way to affect grandfathered locations. However, Synagro was willing to stay at the
table and work with our office on this problem, even if legislation was not possible. About three
weeks ago Mr. Hayes and I came up with the framework for today’s announcement, which has
now been approved by Synagro Corporation. I want to thank them for their good faith
negotiations and willingness to close these Bedford County locations.”

With the closing of these locations and the passage of S.B. 1300, all bio-solid storage
facilities in the future will be located with the concurrence of the local government, and only after
a public hearing. The original S.B. 1300 was introduced with consultation from the Bedford
County Board of Supervisors.

Bedford County Supervisor Steve Arrington, of District 5 said, “Clearly, this is an issue
that demands careful consideration from all sides. Today we are very grateful for Senator
Newman’s efforts and initiative on this issue. Local governments definitely should have a voice
in how, and where these facilities are located. Senator Newman’s legislation and work making
local land use procedures a part of the process will be extremely helpful.”

“Synagro truly listened to our concerns about these sites and the process, and they have
agreed that today’s action is in the best interest of Bedford County and the company. I also
want to make it clear that while we leaned heavily on them for this action, we also educated
each other about the storage issue. However, Synagro is closing these locations and
supporting S.B. 1300 without any promise of concession in exchange. They believe this is the
right thing to do and I am extremely grateful,” stated Newman.

According to the negotiations, and a letter from Mr. Hunter Richardson, the storage at the
Otterville location will end on or about April 1, 2007. Obviously, land application of bio-solids is
allowed in Virginia and this announcement will not affect land applications including the
Otterville farm. However, only about 3% of the bio-solids taken to and from that location were
for application on that farm. Separate land application permits apply to that practice. Similarly,
this agreement only applies to the storage practice on the Watson Farm and not to potential land
application activity.

Newman said, “Today is a very good day for beautiful Bedford County, The
Commonwealth, and our environment.”