PFAS INFORMATION
Northwest Biosolids PFAS Resource Page:
This page will continue to be updated as pertinent and updated information is available. For more information on PFAS outside of what is listed below, we recommend going to NEBRA’s PFAS page. Please email info@nwbiosolids.org if you have any questions or need additional resources.
PFAS in Biosolids: A South Arizona Case Study
The goal of this study was to fully evaluate the potential impact of land application on groundwater contamination by PFAS. Known as “forever chemicals” because most are resistant to microbial degradation, once PFAS are introduced into the environment they persist. They are ubiquitous and found in most soils, sediments, and water. All people in the U.S. are thought to have PFAS in their blood, with longer chain compounds like PFOA and PFOS remain in the body….
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade fluorinated compounds that have been
in commercial use since the 1940’s and are abundant in today’s society. These chemicals are widely used for
their resistance to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are found in every American household, and in products as shown…
LAND APPLICATION OF BIOSOLIDS CONTAINING PFAS (Updated April 2022)
The intent of this document is to share what has been learned about PFAS in biosolids since implementation of the updated Interim Strategy, and to provide updates to the Interim Strategy based on this new information for biosolids land-applied in Michigan. As implementation of the Interim Strategy is ongoing, EGLE’s goal remains for wastewater treatment plants to continue reducing PFAS concentrations in biosolids to the maximum extent practicable, while achieving or maintaining…
Biosolids and PFAS: Maintaining Management Options is Critical to Communities and Sustainability
An increasingly urbanized and populous nation requires effective and efficient systems for managing municipal waste streams – systems that safeguard human health and the environment and advance sustainability. The wastewater treatment cycle is essential to protecting public health, advancing water quality, and bolstering vibrant communities, and is a true benefit of…
Incidence of Pfas in soil following long-term application of class B biosolids
This field study investigated the impact of long-term land application of biosolids on PFAS presence in soils that received annual repetitive land application of Class B biosolids from 1984 to 2019. Soil samples were collected from three depths of 30.5, 91 and 183 cm below land surface. Biosolid and groundwater samples used for irrigation were also collected. Concentrations measured for 18 PFAS compounds were evaluated to assess…
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Chemical Action Plan
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 9,000 synthetic organic chemicals. PFAS can withstand high temperatures and survive highly corrosive environments. A Chemical Action Plan (CAP) identifies, characterizes, and evaluates uses and releases of a specific Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxin (PBT), a group of PBTs, or metals of concern….
Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) continues to be a concern. Little is known about their toxicokinetics, particularly with regard to fecal excretion of PFASs. Because pets are sentinels of human exposure to environmental contaminants, analysis of PFASs in pet feces can provide information about rates of excretion of these chemicals. In this study, 15 PFASs were measured in cat and dog feces collected from the Albany area of New York State…
Northwest Biosolids Education Committee created this factsheet:
Call to Action: Washington State SB 5245
We want to make you aware, if you are not already, of Senate Bill 5245 – concerning Biosolids. This bill introduces changes to the State Biosolids Rule RCW 70A.226, by requiring additional testing and reporting for the presence of PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) by biosolids producers and additional, more burdensome, public notifications and disclosure for land application. NW Biosolids is voting to oppose this bill and we ask your help to do the same. The more voices opposing this legislation, the better chance we have to kill it in the Senate.
Please sign in CON by 6am Friday, 2/3/23.
If you would like to comment:
For more information, including draft comments, please click HERE.