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Farmers, riverkeepers and industry voices press DEQ on PFAS in biosolids and call for testing/controls
Summary
Riverkeeper groups, farmers and the farming industry raised alarms about PFAS in biosolids land application, presented high laboratory results, and urged mandatory testing, pretreatment and restrictions on importing high-PFAS biosolids from other states.
Multiple witnesses told the Virginia Water Commission they are concerned about PFAS concentrations in biosolids (treated sewage sludge) spread on farm fields, and urged stronger testing, limits and pretreatment requirements.
Dean Nikes (Potomac Riverkeeper) told commissioners that peer-reviewed science and public-health experts advise caution: "The science is clear that biosolids from wastewater treatment plants contain concentrated PFAS and we should proceed with caution," he said, urging testing and controls. Nikes and other presenters said a large share of biosolids brought into parts of Virginia are sourced out of state.
Brent Hunsinger (Friends of the…
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