Bill > SB719

This bill establishes new regulations for the land application of sewage sludge, which is the solid residue removed from sewage during wastewater treatment, to limit the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals often referred to as "forever chemicals." Starting October 1, 2028, sewage sludge with a total concentration of regulated PFAS, specifically PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), at or above 50 parts per billion (ppb) cannot be applied to agricultural or marginal land. If the concentration is between 25 and 50 ppb, it can only be applied under specific conditions, including a reduced application rate and increased buffer zones around water sources and properties, and requires notification to landowners and local governments. The bill also allows for "commingling," which means mixing treated sewage sludge with other materials to reduce PFAS concentration, for a period of up to two years if the sludge has between 25 and 50 ppb of regulated PFAS, with the goal of bringing the final product below 25 ppb, and requires ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, sewage sludge generators must conduct a "source tracking study" to identify the origins of PFAS in their sludge if it exceeds 25 ppb and develop a "mitigation plan" within five years to reduce these levels, which requires consultation with the Department of the Environment and may involve actions like controlling industrial discharges. The bill also mandates specific testing methods for PFAS and allows for the establishment of pretreatment standards for industrial users that contribute PFAS to wastewater treatment systems.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0719?ys=2026RS