Metro

"The department's routine oversight and enforcement functions are weak," stated the report, prepared by the staff of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

Sludge, largely human waste from sewage plants, is treated to reduce disease-causing germs. The byproduct, which looks like dark soil, is spread on farm fields as fertilizer.

Supporters say the process puts waste to good use. But opponents say sludge, also called biosolids, poses a health threat to people near those fields.

The state health department has issued permits allowing the spreading of sludge in 54 counties, including most of central and Southside Virginia.

Va. Rivers' Oyster Harvests Increasing

The price of oysters has risen because of the busy hurricane season, and Virginia's watermen are working hard to meet the demand, searching the state's tidal rivers for the shellfish.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita crippled the Gulf of Mexico's oyster industry, and Louisiana has closed its oyster season while health officials investigate whether the storms polluted the shellfish.

As a result, oysters from the James River were being sold for $35 a bushel last week -- up from $25 last year.

Virginia increased its daily harvest limit from eight to 12 bushels per person until more of the shellfish become available when oyster season on the Texas coast opens Nov. 1.

MARYLAND

Germantown Man Killed in Crash

Montgomery County police are investigating a fatal crash Saturday night in Germantown. Police said a 2001 Nissan Xterra collided with a 1991 Nissan Sentra about 10:20 at Route 118 and Dawson Farm Road.

The driver of the Sentra, Roshan Singh, 39, of Germantown, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.