Biosolids

Massachusetts Senate Proposes Comprehensive PFAS Controls for Products, Biosolids and Wastewater

Massachusetts has introduced a comprehensive PFAS bill (S.3034) proposing phased bans on food packaging, firefighting foam, and priority consumer products starting in 2028. Manufacturers face mandatory reporting by 2028 and must prepare for strict "currently unavoidable use" exemptions and supply chain notifications to maintain market access.

6 Apr 2026, 18:35malegislature.govUnited States

Virginia Legislature Sends PFAS Biosolids Testing Bill SB 386 to Governor

Virginia's SB 386, awaiting the Governor's signature, will mandate PFAS testing and tiered concentration limits for land-applied biosolids starting in 2027. This legislation signals a shift toward stricter oversight of industrial byproducts in agriculture, requiring wastewater operators and fertilizer distributors to implement rigorous monitoring and risk-management protocols.

6 Apr 2026, 16:58lis.blob.core.windows.netUnited States

Researchers Call for Stronger Regulation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Agricultural Soils and Crops

An international scientific review highlights the ubiquitous presence of PFAS and microplastics in agricultural soils, identifying significant regulatory gaps in the global food supply chain. Companies should prepare for increased scrutiny of agricultural inputs and potential new standards for soil-to-crop contaminant transfer as part of emerging "One Health" policy frameworks.

3 Apr 2026, 17:56doi.orgGlobal

France Advances "Socle Commun" Rules on Fertilising Materials Towards Mid-2026 Publication

France is finalizing the "Socle Commun" regulatory framework for fertilising materials, with publication expected by mid-2026. Manufacturers must prepare for significantly tighter contaminant limits for heavy metals and organic pollutants, alongside new monitoring requirements for arsenic and dioxins.

31 Mar 2026, 19:29agriculture.gouv.frFrance

US D.C. Circuit Court Filings Support Farmer v. EPA Appeal On PFAS In Biosolids

Municipalities have joined a legal challenge to compel the US EPA to establish national PFAS limits for land-applied sewage sludge under the Clean Water Act. This litigation signals a potential shift toward mandatory federal oversight of biosolids, posing significant operational and liability risks for waste processors and agricultural supply chains.

29 Mar 2026, 17:46d12v9rtnomnebu.cloudfront.netUnited States

Arizona ADEQ Five-Year Rule Review: Biosolids Disposal, Use and Transportation Rules (A.A.C. Title 18, Chapter 9, Article 10)

Arizona is conducting a five-year review of its biosolids disposal and transportation regulations, with stakeholder feedback requested by April 17, 2026. This review provides a strategic window to influence future pollutant limits, pathogen reduction standards, and reporting burdens for land application operations.

27 Mar 2026, 19:47adeq.gov1.qualtrics.comUnited States

US States Tighten PFAS Controls on Land-Applied Biosolids

US states are accelerating PFAS restrictions on land-applied biosolids, introducing tiered concentration limits, testing mandates, and outright bans through 2029. Businesses must reassess waste disposal strategies and supply chain risks for agricultural inputs as state-level divergence creates a complex compliance landscape for sludge-derived products.

27 Mar 2026, 18:42mcguirewoods.comUnited States

Maryland Senate Passes PFAS Limits for Land Application of Sewage Sludge

Maryland's Senate has passed legislation (SB 719) to restrict the land application of sewage sludge and biosolids based on PFOA and PFOS concentrations, effective October 2026. Industrial users face increased scrutiny through new pretreatment standards and potential fees, while sludge generators must implement mandatory monitoring and mitigation plans to maintain market access for agricultural applications.

27 Mar 2026, 07:48mgaleg.maryland.govUnited States

Environment Agency Consults On Severn Trent Minworth Sludge Digestion Permit Variation (England)

The Environment Agency is consulting on a major permit variation for the Minworth sludge digestion and energy plant, with a deadline of April 23, 2026. The proposed changes reflect tightening oversight on hazardous waste handling and energy infrastructure, necessitating proactive compliance reviews for large-scale waste-to-energy operations.

26 Mar 2026, 19:21gov.ukUnited Kingdom

North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board To Discuss PFAS Landfill and Biosolids Data on 1 April 2026

North Carolina's Science Advisory Board is reviewing statewide PFAS data from landfills and biosolids in an April 2026 public meeting. This data-gathering phase signals potential future regulatory scrutiny for waste management and industrial discharge pathways in the state.

25 Mar 2026, 21:28deq.nc.govUnited States

Massachusetts Order H.5249 Authorises Study on Toxic Sludge and Foreign-Owned Land

Massachusetts has authorized a formal legislative study into toxic sludge (biosolids) and foreign-owned land, with recommendations due by December 31, 2026. This signals potential future restrictions on land use and waste management practices, requiring agricultural and waste-sector operators to monitor for upcoming draft legislation.

22 Mar 2026, 17:14malegislature.govUnited States

US Court Of Appeals Opening Brief Filed In Challenge To EPA PFAS Sewage Sludge Inaction

A federal appeal filed in March 2026 seeks to compel the EPA to establish mandatory PFAS limits for sewage sludge used as agricultural fertilizer. A successful challenge would mandate stricter biosolids standards, increasing operational costs for utilities and creating significant liability risks for the agricultural supply chain.

20 Mar 2026, 13:52peer.orgUnited States

New Hampshire DES Proposes Expedited Revisions to Env-Wq 1600 Septage Management Forms

New Hampshire is proposing expedited revisions to its septage management rules to decouple permitting forms from sludge management requirements by April 2026. This administrative simplification aims to streamline the application process for waste haulers and site operators, signaling a shift toward more distinct regulatory pathways for different waste streams.

16 Mar 2026, 16:00gc.nh.govUnited States

Estonia Notifies Draft Amendment to Regulation No. 12 on Digestate Requirements (TRIS 2026/0120/EE)

Estonia notified the EC of draft amendments to biogas digestate regulations, tightening sampling protocols and updating heavy metal and pathogen limits. Operators face increased certification scrutiny and must ensure processing controls are robust enough to meet revised safety thresholds for soil-applied products.

14 Mar 2026, 07:45technical-regulation-information-system.ec.europa.euEstonia

Virginia House Passes PFAS Biosolids Bill SB 386 and Returns It to Senate

Virginia's House passed SB 386, transitioning from a total PFAS ban in biosolids to a framework of mandatory testing, reporting, and concentration-based application limits. Operators must prepare for new monitoring obligations and potential restrictions on biosolids distribution as the state establishes specific PFAS concentration thresholds.

12 Mar 2026, 12:42wric.comUnited States

Japan MAFF Registers Fertilisers In Official Gazette (Kanpō No. 1662)

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has officially registered a new batch of domestic and imported fertilizers, effective January 2026. Manufacturers and importers must verify that their products align with the specific nutrient and impurity limits set by MAFF to ensure continued market access.

12 Mar 2026, 11:07kanpo.go.jpJapan

US: Former EPA Water Official Criticises PFAS Reporting and Drinking Water Rollbacks

The US EPA is moving to delay PFAS reporting and drinking water compliance deadlines while narrowing the regulatory scope for manufacturers and importers. While core standards remain legally in force, businesses should prepare for a period of high regulatory uncertainty and potential rollbacks driven by political shifts and ongoing litigation.

11 Mar 2026, 16:49thehill.comUnited States

Minnesota Senate Introduces SF 4207 on Priority PFAS Identification and PFOA/PFOS Water Quality Standards

Minnesota has introduced legislation (SF 4207) requiring the state to establish water quality standards for PFOA and PFOS and develop a management protocol for priority PFAS by 2028. Industrial dischargers and wastewater operators should prepare for stricter effluent limits and enhanced monitoring requirements as the state shifts toward systematic PFAS risk assessment and regulation.

11 Mar 2026, 12:52revisor.mn.govUnited States

Basque Country Adopts Decree 11/2026 Updating Urdaibai Biosphere Land-Use, Energy and Waste Rules

The Basque Government has implemented Decree 11/2026, effective March 2026, introducing stringent land-use, energy, and waste management restrictions within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Operators face bans on new petroleum transport networks and hazardous waste facilities, alongside heightened building efficiency and soil investigation requirements that impact industrial and commercial development strategy in the region.

10 Mar 2026, 12:43euskadi.eusSpain

South Carolina Bill H5310 Proposes Ban On Land Application Of Wastewater Sludge And Sludge-Derived Compost

South Carolina is proposing a ban on the land application and commercial sale of wastewater sludge and sludge-derived agricultural products. This move signals a shift away from beneficial reuse, requiring industrial operators to pivot toward landfill disposal and forcing a restructuring of agricultural product supply chains.

9 Mar 2026, 19:00scstatehouse.govUnited States