Biosolids bill to add more scrutiny

Senator Jeff Wilson 19th District

During the past year, individuals in Toledo and Winlock have been meeting to discuss biosolids, also known as sewer sludge. The group known as Toledo Citizens Against Biosludge have been working with Senator Jeff Wilson, 19th District Rep., who wrote Senate Bill 5245 to add scrutiny and public information regarding the issue of biosolids and PFAS chemicals. During the past year they have met with specialists in the biosolids and are looking at ways to make it either safer to use or to incinerate it.

Senator Wilson introduced the bill and he stated, "Our legislators now have an opportunity to address responsible actions to manage these forever chemicals. In 2025 our state will enact a ban on future use of these chemicals. My bill requires the state to work on how we will handle the aftermath of these toxic materials."

A brief summary of the bill will direct the Department of Ecology to establish pollutant limits for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals in biosolids, based on the results of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's risk assessment for PFAS in chemicals in biosolids by July 1, 2025. It also establishes documentation and notice requirements for transportation and land application of bulk biosolids.

There are those who are currently working in the industry who are trying to kill the bill and signed up to testify against it. Now, the bill is with the State Environment, Energy and Technology Committee. It is important that those who are interested, contact the Senators on the Ways and Means Committee.
The senators are:

Member - Room - Phone
Nguyen, Joe (D) Chair - 235 John A. Cherberg Building - (360) 786-7667
Lovelett, Liz (D) Vice Chair - 233 John A. Cherberg Building - (360) 786-7678
MacEwen, Drew (R) Ranking Member - 115 Legislative Modular Building - (360) 786-7668
Boehnke, Matt (R) - 117 Legislative Modular Building - (360) 786-7614
Lovick, John (D) - 226 John A. Cherberg Building - (360) 786-7686
Short, Shelly (R) - 409 Legislative Building - (360) 786-7612
Trudeau, Yasmin (D) - 227 John A. Cherberg Building - (360) 786-7652
Wellman, Lisa (D) - 224 John A. Cherberg Building - (360) 786-7641

The residents of South Lewis County have asked for more scrutiny and more laws are needed surrounding biosolids.