‘The right answer for human health’: Bill to ban PFAS in biosolids used on land advances amid growing health concerns

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As concern grows over the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) substances, a new bill would prohibit the land application of biosolids that contain these so-called "forever chemicals."

The Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved Senate Bill 386 on Tuesday, Feb. 3 -- a bill which would ban any person holding a valid Virginia Pollutant Abatement permit from distributing or land-applying sewage sludge in the Commonwealth if it contains any trace of PFAS.

PFAS -- also known as "forever chemicals" -- build up in the body and environment and do not break down easily. Their strong chemical bonds make them highly persistent and potentially cause contamination, leading to serious health issues like increased risk of certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, weakened immunity, reproductive problems, developmental delays in children and higher cholesterol.

Sen. Richard Stuart (R-King George), the bill's sponsor, said the bill is an attempt to address the issues he has observed in his district, where farmers use biosolids as a soil amendment because the material is dry and similar to peat moss.

"I know the farmers have to have this for fertilizer, and I get that," Stuart said. "And I'm trying not to injure the farmers here."

“I have constituents who call me and say we’re finding it in our wells," Stuart added. "The only thing I know to do is to stop applying PFAS.”

Stuart said his constituents go to him and "expect us to do something about it," and according to him, the only way is to stop applying it with PFAS in it.

Many backed the bill and shared their growing concerns over the Commonwealth's environment.

Jay Ford, of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said SB 386 represents the "right answer for human health and for the environment."

"There should be a bill that represents what's in the best interest of the citizens of Virginia, what's in the best interest of the environment, and what's in the best interest of rural communities that are receiving this material," Ford said. "And so we're hopeful that you all will want to keep this bill alive."

Ford said PFAS are not ephemeral or ignorant chemicals that would typically go away, and emphasized that these "forever chemicals" will continue to aggregate.

Mike Lightfoot, a Virginia Waterman, spoke on behalf of the Virginia Twin Waterman's Association, emphasizing that PFAS contamination is going into Virginia's waterways.

"This is threatening our entire Virginia $1 billion seafood industry," Lightfoot said.

Despite environmental concerns, some spoke out in opposition to the controversial bill.

“In theory, there are two other basic things to do with this," said Chris Pomeroy, representing the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies. "One is to landfill it, but we do not want this material in the quantities we’re talking about."

Pomeroy is eager to work with the committee on solutions moving forward, regardless of his opposition.

Stuart said that, while he agreed with what was brought up during the meeting, his main concern remains the sewer treatment facilities and urged that the Commonwealth have someone who can advocate for Virginians.