Last week, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposed two permit updates that would require wastewater treatment facilities to monitor PFOS and PFOA in any biosolids that they produce for land application. The intent is to remove these “forever” chemicals from biosolids to prevent pollution of farm fields and groundwater. 

“Farmers need reassurance that what they spread on their fields is safe,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This is central to public trust and to growing safe, healthy food that also protects our water resources for the future. 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.”   

The permits would also require that wastewater treatment facilities with PFOS or PFOA in biosolids over a certain threshold develop a plan to reduce the amounts of these chemicals in the wastewater. The updated permits would also allow wastewater treatment facilities to accept food waste in their digesters.    

The draft permits were published in the July 4^th edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, and will accept comments on the draft until September 2, 2026. Please share any comments or concerns with Holly Fishel, PSATS Policy & Research Director, at hfishel@psats.org or by calling her at 717-763-0930 ext 138. PSATS will submit comments on the draft permits. Comments may be submitted through DEP’s eComment platform or by emailing ecomment@pa.gov (emailed comments must include the originator’s name and address). The permits are PAG-07 (General Permit for Beneficial Use of Exceptional Quality Biosolids), PAG-08 (General Permit for Beneficial Use of Biosolids), and septage biosolids (PAG-09). Click here for the press release.