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Lawmakers hear support for OSU‑led study of PFAS in land‑applied biosolids in HB 29‑47
Summary
Proponents and researchers urged passage of House Bill 29‑47 to fund Oregon State University research on PFAS presence and fate in biosolids applied to agricultural fields. DEQ and utilities said state‑specific data are needed; federal EPA grant funding for a Columbia Basin study remains uncertain.
Representative Courtney Neron opened the public hearing on House Bill 29‑47, which would fund an Oregon State University study of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in land‑applied biosolids at select Oregon sites to better understand potential impacts on soils, crops and water quality.
"PFAS are very hard, if not impossible, to get rid of in air, soil, and water, and animals too," Rep. Neron said, summarizing the chemicals' persistence and possible health impacts. Supporters including the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies, DEQ, OSU researchers and the Oregon Environmental Council urged lawmakers to authorize and fund a statewide study so policy choices about biosolids do not rely solely on out‑of‑state data.
Susie Smith, representing the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies, told the committee that biosolids application has long been a preferred sustainable practice in Oregon, but that nationally available PFAS studies are not representative of Oregon agricultural conditions and application rates. "The Oregon specific research is needed to inform appropriate site specific actions to address PFAS contaminants if and where they're found," she said.
Ryan Hoof of DEQ said the agency previously applied for EPA Columbia Basin grant funding that could partially support a PFAS study; DEQ received notice of a partial award but later learned federal funding status was uncertain. DEQ said the Columbia Basin grant, if finalized, would only cover sites in that watershed and additional state funding would be required for a statewide study.
Dr. Serha Marmer of Oregon State University outlined a sampling and analysis plan, including EPA‑standardized methods and advanced fingerprinting to trace PFAS sources. OSU offered to lead the research, analyze biosolid, soil, water and crop samples, and to provide quality‑assured data to inform policy. Testimony noted the bill's budget language would be amended depending on availability of EPA funding (draft amounts discussed were $200,000 or $800,000), and that final dollar figures were not fixed in the hearing transcript.
Witnesses said reports would exclude specific farm or utility names and locations to protect participants. The committee closed the hearing after taking testimony; no vote was recorded in the transcript.
