Bill > SB538

This bill, known as the "Forever Chemicals Transparency Act," aims to increase transparency regarding the presence of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in Georgia's water systems. PFAS are man-made chemicals that persist in the environment and have been linked to various health concerns. The bill requires publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), which are wastewater treatment facilities owned by the state or a municipality, to actively seek information from industrial users that discharge into their systems. Specifically, by December 31, 2026, POTWs must ask industrial users if they manufacture, produce products containing, or use raw materials containing PFAS. If an industrial user answers yes, they must identify the specific PFAS and the products involved, and describe any practices they are using to reduce or eliminate PFAS discharge. This information must be submitted annually to the POTW and the state's environmental division starting April 1, 2027, and also included in any new or renewed pretreatment permits, which regulate industrial discharges into POTWs. All submitted information must be certified as true and accurate by a responsible official. The Board of Natural Resources is authorized to create rules to implement these requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73418