Goshen board backs letter and moves to introduce moratorium on land application of biosolids

The Town of Goshen Board on Sept. 25 approved sending a letter of support for Assembly bill A6192 and Senate bill S5759, which would impose a moratorium on land application and acquisition of biosolids. Board members discussed an introductory local law to establish a local moratorium and reviewed draft language, penalties and procedural steps.

Why it matters: Board members said biosolids contain PFAS and other contaminants and expressed concern about spreading those materials near municipal and private wells. Passing a local moratorium and supporting state legislation are steps the town is using to limit local land application until state action or further study.

The board voted to authorize the supervisor to send a support letter to Assemblyman Maher and Senator Spoufis and acknowledged receiving a draft introductory local law and a resolution tied to moratorium procedures. Staff and members noted the town cannot unilaterally "ban" biosolids where state law preempts local regulation, so the draft is framed as a moratorium consistent with recent actions by other counties. The board asked the attorney to review penalty provisions and statutory caps; members discussed increasing penalties (one member suggested a $1,000 corporate fine as a starting point) and checking state limits.

Discussion vs. action: The board took action to send the support letter (roll-call vote, approved) and to begin the local-law process by placing the introductory local law on the board calendar for review and public hearing scheduling. Officials repeatedly said additional legal review will be required before moving to final adoption.

What to watch next: The board will set any public hearing dates and may adjust penalty language after the town attorney confirms the allowable fine range. The state bills (A6192/S5759) will determine whether a statewide moratorium passes and could affect the local law's scope.