Bill > HB925

This bill establishes new regulations for the land application of sewage sludge, which is defined as residue extracted from sewage at treatment plants, to address concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals. Starting October 1, 2027, sewage sludge or products containing it cannot be applied to agricultural or marginal land if the total concentration of certain regulated PFAS, specifically PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), exceeds 50 parts per billion. If the concentration is between 25 and 50 parts per billion, its application is permitted only under specific conditions, including a temporary 12-month limit on the application rate and enhanced setback requirements from water sources. The bill also allows for blending sewage sludge from multiple sources before September 30, 2029, to reduce PFAS concentrations below 25 parts per billion, but this blending process requires monthly monitoring and immediate notification to the Department of the Environment if the PFAS levels remain at or above 25 parts per billion. Furthermore, sewage sludge generators that produce sludge with PFAS concentrations of 25 parts per billion or higher must conduct a source tracking study to identify the origins of these chemicals and develop a mitigation plan, with a timeline of up to two years for implementation, to reduce PFAS levels. The bill also outlines monitoring protocols, including sample analysis methods and laboratory certification requirements, and empowers the Department of the Environment and pretreatment authorities to establish pretreatment standards for industrial users discharging PFAS into wastewater treatment systems, with the goal of reducing these substances in sewage sludge.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0925?ys=2026RS