Biosolids

Global Study Assesses PFAS Transformation in Biosolids Pyrolysis Byproducts

A new peer-reviewed study of a full-scale biosolids pyrolysis plant finds that while PFAS-specific fluorine signatures drop sharply, most extractable organic fluorine persists in biochar and long-chain PFAS transform into higher levels of shorter-chain species like PFBA, PFBS, and TFA. This evidence challenges assumptions that pyrolysis alone fully destroys PFAS in biosolids and suggests regulators and utilities should account for residual and transformed PFAS in biochar and byproducts when setting standards for biosolids treatment, reuse, and disposal.

23 May 2026, 11:18pubs.acs.orgGlobal

Washington State PFAS Biosolids Sampling Law Under RCW 70A.226

Washington has amended RCW 70A.226 to require PFAS sampling and reporting for biosolids permit holders, with Ecology to issue guidance by mid-2026 and run a temporary monitoring programme from 2027 to 2028. Biosolids generators and wastewater utilities in Washington should plan for new PFAS sampling, laboratory and data-reporting obligations that could underpin future decisions on biosolids restrictions and land-application policy.

22 May 2026, 10:24ecology.wa.govUnited States

Steuben County Imposes Six-Month Moratorium on New Biosolid Land-Application Permits Over PFAS Concerns

Steuben County, New York has enacted a six-month moratorium on new biosolid land-application permits due to PFAS contamination concerns, effective immediately after its 18 May 2026 legislative approval. This temporarily blocks new land-spreading permits in the county and signals heightened local PFAS and biosolids risk scrutiny while New York State finalizes tighter regulatory standards.

21 May 2026, 06:51eveningtribune.comUnited States

Louisiana House Requests Study of Biosolids Land Application (HSR2)

In May 2026, the Louisiana House introduced HSR2 directing its agriculture committee to study biosolids and other human waste-derived materials applied to agricultural land, including PFAS and other emerging contaminants, with a report due by 1 February 2027. This study could underpin future state-level controls or disclosure requirements on PFAS-contaminated biosolids and land-application practices, affecting wastewater operators, farmers, and landowners who may face tighter standards or reporting duties.

20 May 2026, 08:28legis.la.govUnited States

Minnesota Legislature Repasses HF3426 ENRTF Bill With PFAS Research and Treatment Funding

In May 2026 the Minnesota Legislature repassed HF3426, an Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations bill that dedicates funding to multiple PFAS and microplastics monitoring, treatment and biosolids research projects. These targeted ENRTF investments signal a sustained state focus on PFAS pathways, co-occurring microplastics and viable removal technologies, shaping the evidence base for future regulatory standards and infrastructure decisions in Minnesota.

15 May 2026, 16:21revisor.mn.govUnited States

Minnesota House Repasses HF3426 Conference Report on Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Appropriations

In May 2026 the Minnesota House advanced HF3426, repassing a conference report on Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations that confirms funding for multiple PFAS and microplastics research, monitoring and treatment projects while tightening oversight of related community grants. This step signals sustained policy attention to emerging contaminants in water, wastewater and biosolids and builds the evidence base for potential future regulation, but it does not yet impose new direct compliance obligations on private-sector operators.

15 May 2026, 15:42revisor.mn.govUnited States

New Hampshire Readopts and Amends Env-Wq 800 Sludge Management Rules

New Hampshire has readopted with amendments its Env-Wq 800 Sludge Management rules, which will take effect on 15 May 2026 and remain in force until 15 May 2036. This refreshes the state's sludge and biosolids management framework, so wastewater operators, haulers and land-application sites should reassess permits, operating procedures and monitoring to ensure compliance before the new chapter takes effect.

15 May 2026, 13:34gc.nh.govUnited States

Wisconsin DNR Seeks Input on PFAS Grant Programmes and Spills Law Exemptions Under 2025 Acts 200 and 201

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on how to design PFAS grant programmes and Spills Law exemptions authorised by 2025 Wisconsin Acts 200 and 201. These programmes will direct state funding toward PFAS monitoring and remediation in drinking water and contaminated sites, so municipalities, airports and industrial operators in Wisconsin should prepare for evolving grant eligibility, sampling expectations and clean-up support.

10 May 2026, 19:23docs.legis.wisconsin.govUnited States

New Hampshire Senate Passes PFAS-Agriculture Bill HB 1275

On 07 May 2026, the New Hampshire Senate removed PFAS-agriculture bill HB 1275 from the consent calendar and passed it with amendment, advancing legislation on PFAS contamination in soils, water and biosolids. If enacted, the bill would shield farmers from PFAS-related civil liability while requiring the state to set PFAS biosolids standards and phase out land application above those limits by 2028, tightening PFAS controls across agricultural and waste-management operations.

9 May 2026, 14:11gc.nh.govUnited States

New Hampshire Senate Passes PFAS Agriculture Bill HB 1275

In May 2026 the New Hampshire Senate passed PFAS agriculture bill HB 1275, which would grant farmers civil immunity for PFAS contamination from standard practices and direct the state to regulate PFAS in land-applied biosolids. If enacted, the measure would re-balance PFAS liability and require sludge generators and biosolids users in New Hampshire to prepare for PFAS soil testing, new DES standards initiated by June 2027, and a ban on land application above those limits from January 2028.

9 May 2026, 14:09gc.nh.govUnited States

North Carolina DEQ Study Finds PFAS in Wastewater, Biosolids and Soils

North Carolina’s environmental regulator has released preliminary statewide study findings showing PFAS contamination in wastewater influent, treated effluent, biosolids, and soils at all sampled treatment plants and land-application fields. With no PFAS limits yet for biosolids or surface waters, these results signal intensifying scrutiny that is likely to shape future permitting, monitoring, and control measures for wastewater and biosolids management in the state.

8 May 2026, 07:26deq.nc.govUnited States

Rhode Island Senate Holds Sludge Management Study Resolution (S3225) For Further Study

In May 2026, the Rhode Island Senate Commerce Committee held a joint resolution (S3225) that would create a commission to study sludge management for further study, leaving it pending in committee. This signals political attention on wastewater sludge and biosolids practices but creates no immediate regulatory obligations, with any concrete changes likely to come only from future recommendations and follow-on bills.

8 May 2026, 07:02webserver.rilegislature.govUnited States

North Carolina Senate Refers PFAS-Focused 2026 Water Safety Act (S1043) to Rules Committee

North Carolina is advancing the 2026 Water Safety Act (S1043), a PFAS-focused bill that would establish strict PFAS drinking water standards, industrial discharge controls, and substantial funding for PFAS mitigation, research, firefighter protection, and water-resource studies, now under review by the Senate Rules and Operations Committee. If enacted, the act would materially increase PFAS compliance obligations for public water systems and industrial dischargers in North Carolina, drive expanded monitoring of PFAS in wastewater and biosolids, and reshape long-term planning around water infrastructure, contamination management, and interbasin transfers.

7 May 2026, 19:25ncleg.govUnited States

Minnesota House Passes HF3426 ENRTF Bill Funding PFAS and Microplastics Research

Minnesota’s House has passed HF3426, an Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund appropriations bill that dedicates substantial FY2026–27 funding to PFAS and microplastics monitoring, treatment technology demonstrations, and biosolids research in the state. This targeted public investment signals a sustained Minnesota policy focus on PFAS and microplastics contamination across the water cycle, shaping the evidence base and priorities for future standards, clean-up projects, and infrastructure decisions without yet creating direct compliance obligations for companies.

5 May 2026, 14:12revisor.mn.govUnited States

Oklahoma Legislature Sends HB 3403 Biosolids Land Application And PFAS Monitoring Bill To Conference Committee

Oklahoma lawmakers are now negotiating HB 3403 in conference after the House rejected Senate amendments to a bill that would create a PFAS-focused biosolids land application research programme, mandate phased reductions in land spreading and potentially ban biosolids land application after 2029. If enacted close to its current form, wastewater utilities and land applicators in Oklahoma will face new DEQ-led monitoring obligations for PFAS and other contaminants, tighter biosolids management, and the need to invest early in alternative treatment and disposal options ahead of proposed 2027–2029 phase-down dates.

3 May 2026, 14:46oklegislature.govUnited States

Wisconsin DNR Seeks Comment On Updated PFAS Biosolids and Industrial Sludge Land Application Strategy

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources has issued an updated interim strategy for land application of PFAS-containing biosolids and industrial sludges, aligned with 2025 Wisconsin Act 201, and opened public consultation through 31 May 2026. The strategy introduces Act-backed PFOS/PFOA monitoring triggers and tiered concentration thresholds that will shape future WPDES permits, forcing wastewater utilities and industrial generators to reassess land-application practices, invest in PFAS source reduction, or shift to alternative sludge management options.

3 May 2026, 07:35dnr.wisconsin.govUnited States

Virginia Enacts PFAS Biosolids Limits, POTW Monitoring, And Local Testing Authority

Virginia has enacted a three-bill PFAS package that caps PFOS and PFOA concentrations in land-applied biosolids, mandates quarterly PFAS monitoring of key industrial dischargers to publicly owned treatment works, and empowers localities to test biosolids, with obligations phasing in from July 2026 through July 2029. This creates new compliance pressure on Virginia wastewater utilities, biosolids land appliers and PFAS-using industrial facilities, likely requiring source reduction, changes to sludge management and updated contracts with industrial users and landowners to manage sampling, reporting and potential land-application bans.

30 Apr 2026, 06:36lis.virginia.govUnited States

Michigan HB 5896 Proposes PFAS Testing of Sewage Sludge Before Land Application

In April 2026, Michigan lawmakers introduced HB 5896 to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and require PFAS testing of sewage sludge and sludge derivatives before land application. If passed, wastewater utilities, sludge processors, and agricultural users would need to integrate PFAS testing into biosolids management, signalling tighter state oversight of PFAS contamination from land-applied wastes.

28 Apr 2026, 19:44legislature.mi.govUnited States

Michigan House Democrats Introduce Nine-Bill PFAS Package On Products And Water Safety

In April 2026, Michigan House Democrats introduced a nine-bill PFAS package that would ban PFAS in household products, strengthen drinking water protections, and codify the state’s PFAS response structures. If enacted, these measures would significantly raise compliance and liability risks for companies selling PFAS-containing products in Michigan, water utilities, and PFAS-impacted agricultural operators, signalling more aggressive state-level regulation of PFAS.

28 Apr 2026, 19:43legislature.mi.govUnited States

Oklahoma Senate Passes HB 3403 on Biosolids Land Application Research and Conditional Phase-Out

Oklahoma’s Senate has passed HB 3403, a bill that would create a three-year biosolids land-application research pilot at Oklahoma State University with PFAS, heavy metal, and pharmaceutical screening, and layer in phased reductions and a possible statewide ban on biosolids land application by late 2029 if the research identifies unacceptable risks. If enacted, the act would take effect in November 2026 and force wastewater utilities and land-application operators in Oklahoma to plan for tighter contaminant monitoring, new treatment technologies, and potential replacement of land application as a disposal route ahead of the 2027–2029 reduction and cessation milestones.

28 Apr 2026, 17:42oklegislature.govUnited States