Bill > H136

This bill prohibits the use and sale of sludge and sludge-derived products in Massachusetts, with some specific exceptions. "Sludge" is defined as solid, semi-solid, or liquid waste generated from wastewater treatment plants, water supply treatment plants, or air pollution control facilities. The legislation broadly bans applying, spreading, selling, or distributing sludge or any products containing sludge that are intended for agricultural purposes like fertilizer, soil amendment, or mulch. However, the bill provides several exemptions: sludge can still be disposed of in solid waste landfills, and certain agricultural byproducts are permitted if they are not mixed with wastewater treatment sludge, such as residuals from food processing, brewing, fermenting, or distilling. Additionally, the bill allows land application of materials from composting toilet systems and sludge resulting from precipitated calcium carbonate production. The primary goal appears to be preventing potentially toxic municipal and industrial wastewater treatment sludge from being used in agriculture, thereby protecting soil and potentially human health.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H136