Environment

Growing concern over PFAS prompts bills on sewage sludge use

Lawmakers in more than a dozen states have introduced bills to study, limit or ban biosolids as fertilizer.
A spreader applies sewage sludge to a farm field, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Wellston, Okla. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

States are looking to ramp up regulations on farms’ use of sewage sludge as fertilizer over concerns that PFAS can contaminate the soil and water.

Lawmakers in at least a dozen states have introduced legislation this year to study, limit or ban the use of sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, for fertilizer; provide aid to farmers; and require periodic testing of biosolids for certain PFAS chemicals. 

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