The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection proposes to require wastewater treatment facilities to monitor for so-called forever chemicals in their sewage sludge that’s used as fertilizer.
It’s the first time Pennsylvania facilities that produce biosolids for land application would face monitoring requirements for PFOS and PFOA, two types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances linked to health issues including cancer.
Under the proposed permit updates announced July 2, facilities that detect these chemicals above certain thresholds would be required to develop plans to reduce the amounts in their wastewater.
“Pennsylvania continues to lead the way in protecting residents from PFAS chemicals,” DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said. “These updated permits will give the farmers of Pennsylvania peace of mind that the biosolids they use to fertilize their fields are not going to come with PFAS contamination.”
The proposal aims to prevent PFAS in biosolids from contaminating agricultural land and groundwater. The draft permits — PAG-07, PAG-08 and PAG-09 — also would allow wastewater treatment facilities to accept food waste.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the policy is necessary because farmers need assurance that what they spread on their fields is safe for public trust and food systems.
“This is central to public trust and to growing safe, healthy food that also protects our water resources for the future,” he said. “In crafting thoughtful, intentional public policy we must consider established scientific data, coupled with public and industry perspectives to ensure our success in protecting soil, water and food systems.”
John Brenner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, told lehighvalleylive.com he had yet to analyze the proposal but that his organization opposes unfunded mandates for communities.
“When it comes to forever chemicals, I think all of us — whether in local government or state government, federal government, or a citizen in the community — can now understand that this is a serious issue that has to be dealt with,” he said. “So the question for all of us, including local government, is how do we deal with it and who pays for it.”
The DEP proposal follows a two-phase stakeholder process that began in January 2025, involving a 16-member data team and a working group composed of municipal authorities, water associations and environmental organizations.
Residents can submit feedback on the proposed revisions through the DEP’s eComment platform or by emailing ecomment@pa.gov during a 60-day public comment period that closes at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 2, 2026. Emailed comments must include the originator’s name and address. Written comments can be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063.
The full text of the draft permits was published July 4 in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
The move builds on previous state actions, including January 2023 regulations that set limits for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. The DEP said it continues to investigate other sources of PFAS contamination throughout the state.
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