The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has proposed two permit updates that will prevent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever” chemicals in biosolids from polluting farm fields and groundwater. The updated permits introduce monitoring requirements for the first time for wastewater treatment facilities that produce biosolids for land application.

“Pennsylvania continues to lead the way in protecting residents from PFAS chemicals. Three years ago, we published the first standalone drinking water safeguards in Pennsylvania history, years ahead of the federal government, and today we are taking steps to keep forever chemicals out of our food and out of our groundwater,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These updated permits will give the farmers of Pennsylvania peace of mind that the biosolids they use to fertilize their fields are not going to come with PFAS contamination.”

“Farmers need reassurance that what they spread on their fields is safe,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This is central to public trust and to growing safe, healthy food that also protects our water resources for the future. In crafting thoughtful, intentional public policy we must consider established scientific data, coupled with public and industry perspectives to ensure our success in protecting soil, water and food systems.”

Under the updated permits, wastewater treatment facilities would have to monitor PFOS and PFOA in any biosolids they produce for land application. PFOS and PFOA are two forever chemicals that have been linked to health issues like cancer.

The permits would also require that wastewater treatment facilities with PFOS or PFOA in biosolids over a certain threshold develop a plan to reduce the amounts of the chemicals in the wastewater. The updated permits would also allow wastewater treatment facilities to accept food waste in their digesters.

The draft permits are published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. DEP is conducting a 60-day comment period through Sept. 2. Comments may be submitted through DEP’s eComment platform or by emailing ecomment@pa.gov (emailed comments must include the originator’s name and address). The permits are PAG-07 (General Permit for Beneficial Use of Exceptional Quality Biosolids) and PAG-08 (General Permit for Beneficial Use of Biosolids).

An additional permit for septage biosolids (PAG-09) is also available for public comment.

In January 2023 DEP finalized regulations limiting PFOS and PFOA in drinking water, the first time that Pennsylvania has ever set a drinking water standard independent of the federal government, which was still years away from implementing drinking water limits. DEP continues to investigate sources of PFAS contamination throughout Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website, or follow DEP on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.