In a significant step toward ensuring the safety of agricultural practices, Washington lawmakers have unanimously voted to advance Senate Bill 5033, which mandates testing human waste-derived fertilizers for harmful toxic chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistent nature in the environment, have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer.
The bill has now been sent to Governor Bob Ferguson for his approval, though his office has not commented on whether he intends to sign it.
With strong bipartisan support evident in both the House and Senate, the proposed legislation has seen a resurgence after prior attempts stalled.
Fertilizers produced from human waste are increasingly utilized across the United States, sparking both enthusiasm and concern.
While some states, including Connecticut and Maine, have prohibited their use due to severe PFAS contamination, other regions celebrate this practice as a sustainable solution to modern agricultural challenges.
This method not only aids in reducing the carbon footprint of waste management but also balances climate conditions by utilizing water-rich fertilizers to alleviate drought effects.
In Washington, facilities like King County’s South Plant play a pivotal role, recycling around 60,000 tons of organic material into fertilizer annually, thereby contributing to agricultural sustainability.
The facility utilizes naturally occurring bacteria to decompose organic matter and has become a respected operation in transforming wastewater into valuable agricultural resources.
Experts believe that Washington’s PFAS issues are less severe than other regions, largely due to lower levels of industrial contamination.
However, concerns remain regarding the lack of data on PFAS levels in local biosolid products.
King County has initiated its study, dubbed ‘Loop,’ to assess the situation, but the results have not yet been disclosed to the public.
Until now, Washington has not enforced testing protocols for PFAS in biosolids nor defined any regulatory limits for these substances.
To address these gaps, local officials are welcoming the new PFAS testing legislation.
State Senator Jeff Wilson, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the importance of ensuring that biosolids, despite their benefits, are safe for agricultural use.
Approximately 110 wastewater treatment facilities in Washington produce biosolids, which are applied to fields and gardens, amounting to tens of thousands of tons released into the ecosystem each year.
If signed into law, the bill would task the Washington Department of Ecology with establishing regulatory testing requirements for PFAS in biosolids by July 2026.
Facilities producing these fertilizers would be obligated to conduct quarterly tests beginning in early 2027, with results submitted to Ecology by the end of 2028.
In 2029, the Department of Ecology is expected to report its findings to the Legislature, offering recommendations on how to safeguard agricultural practices moving forward.
This legislative initiative could mark a pivotal moment in enhancing the safety of food production methods while promoting sustainable practices across the agricultural landscape.
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