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. Starting October 1, 2027, sewage sludge or products containing it cannot be applied to agricultural or marginal land if the total concentration of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically PFOA and PFOS, exceeds 50 parts per billion (ppb). If the concentration is between 25 ppb and 50 ppb, specific temporary measures, including reduced application rates and increased buffer zones around water sources, must be followed for up to 12 months while a mitigation plan is developed. Furthermore, by September 30, 2029, entities can blend sewage sludge from multiple sources to reduce PFAS levels below 25 ppb, but this blended material must be monitored monthly for PFAS. If a sewage sludge generator's product consistently exceeds 25 ppb of regulated PFAS, they must conduct a study to identify the sources of these chemicals and develop a plan, approved by the Department of the Environment, to reduce them, with a goal of achieving levels below 25 ppb within two years. The bill also outlines monitoring protocols, including how samples are collected and analyzed, and allows for pretreatment standards for industrial users that discharge PFAS into wastewater systems.

Education

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