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PFAS in treated sewage may be applied to U.S. farmland, officials say
Summary
The article reports that treated sewage sludge (biosolids) used as fertilizer can contain PFAS, and industry estimates suggest nearly 70 million acres of U.S. farmland may receive biosolids; Virginia currently has no statewide PFAS testing requirement while Maryland limits PFAS in biosolids to 5 parts per billion.
Content
Treated sewage sludge, called biosolids, is widely used as a fertilizer because of its nutrient content, the article reports. The reporting says biosolids can contain PFAS, a group of persistent man-made chemicals that have been linked in studies to cancers and other health concerns. Industry estimates cited in the article indicate that about 70 million acres of U.S. farmland may be treated with Class B biosolids. Virginia is reported to be receiving material moved from Maryland after Maryland imposed stricter limits.
Known details:
- Biosolids are commonly applied to farmland and can contain PFAS, which do not break down easily and have been linked in studies to cancer and other health effects.
- Industry surveys estimate about 70 million acres of U.S. farmland may receive Class B biosolids; Class A biosolids were not included in that estimate.
- Maryland has limited PFAS in biosolids used on farmland to 5 parts per billion; the EPA has not set a federal numeric limit, though a draft EPA risk assessment noted possible health risks from certain PFAS at low parts-per-billion levels.
- Virginia currently has no specific regulatory threshold for PFAS in sewage sludge; Senator Richard Stuart is reported to be working on legislation that would require PFAS-free certification, allow random testing, and impose fines for violations.
Summary:
The reporting describes a situation where biosolids containing PFAS are being applied on a large area of U.S. farmland while regulatory standards vary by state. Senator Stuart's proposed legislation in Virginia is a reported next step, but broader regulatory outcomes and enforcement approaches remain undetermined at this time.
