Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pfas Biosolids Study topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Subcommittee advances OSU study of PFAS in biosolids applied to non‑food agricultural land
Summary
House Bill 2947 directs Oregon State University, with DEQ and wastewater providers, to study PFAS concentrations in biosolids, soils and crops on non‑food agricultural fields. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission was appropriated $410,000 general fund and DEQ will provide $390,000 in other funds and support.
The Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee voted June 3, 2025 to move House Bill 2947 to the full committee with a due‑pass recommendation. The bill directs Oregon State University to conduct a statewide study of PFAS in biosolids applied to non‑food agricultural fields.
Under the measure the study will assess PFAS concentrations in biosolids, soils and crops; evaluate retention and leaching of PFAS in soil; and compare results to existing research. OSU must collaborate with the Department of Environmental Quality and wastewater service providers. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission receives a one‑time appropriation of $410,000 general fund in 2025–27 for OSU to carry out the work; DEQ contributes $390,000 in other funds and anticipates additional federal and local support. A progress report is due to the legislature by Dec. 15, 2026, and a final report by Sept. 1, 2028.
Committee members said the bill had broad support from the agricultural community and wastewater service providers who apply biosolids and expressed a desire for rigorous, regionally relevant data to inform future policy. The LFO recommended moving the bill to the full committee, and the subcommittee adopted an amendment (dash‑A3) before forwarding the measure.
Discussion versus decision: the subcommittee formally adopted the amendment and sent HB 2947 to the full committee; members described the measure as a research and monitoring effort rather than a regulatory change.
