Bill > SB268

This bill addresses the regulation of biosolids (solids separated from wastewater during treatment) and their application to land in Oklahoma. The legislation broadly prohibits the land application, sale, and distribution of sewage sludge, certain compost materials, and fertilizers derived from municipal, commercial, or industrial wastewater treatment plant sludge or septage (untreated sewage solids removed from septic tanks). There are limited exceptions for disposal in lined landfills and for agricultural products derived from food processing, brewing, or animal waste, provided they are not contaminated with wastewater sludge. The bill requires two key reports: first, the Department of Environmental Quality must develop a long-term plan for prohibiting septage land application and submit a report by February 1, 2026, detailing potential management strategies; second, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry must create a plan to protect agricultural producers from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, working directly with impacted producers to identify contamination sources and develop remediation strategies. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, reflecting the urgency of addressing potential environmental and agricultural risks associated with biosolids and PFAS contamination.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb268&Session=2600