Bill > S05759

This bill establishes a five-year moratorium on the land application, sale, distribution, and use of biosolids (semi-solid waste materials from sewage treatment plants) in New York State, primarily due to concerns about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a class of potentially harmful chemical compounds. The moratorium applies to biosolids from publicly and privately owned wastewater treatment facilities, including their use as fertilizers, soil amendments, topsoil replacements, and mulch for agricultural, park, and other land applications. The bill does include some exceptions, such as disposal in solid waste landfills and the use of compost or agricultural products not derived from biosolids. Violations of this moratorium can result in penalties up to $2,500 for each violation, with an additional $500 per day for continued violations, and potential injunctive relief. The penalties can be pursued by the attorney general at the request of the commissioner. The act will take effect 60 days after becoming law, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the bill is found invalid, the rest of the legislation remains in force.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5759