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Bradford County calls for federal and state action on PFAS in biosolids
Summary
Bradford County Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-06 on March 26, 2026, urging EPA, DEP, USDA and FDA to expedite research and update permitting standards because PFAS are not currently included in DEP biosolids testing.
Bradford County Commissioners on March 26 adopted Resolution 2026-06 calling for updated research and regulatory standards for the land application of biosolids after noting that state certification standards do not require testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS.
The resolution, passed by unanimous vote, asks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to “continue and expedite research to determine what constitutes a safe level of PFAS content in biosolids” and to update permitting requirements accordingly. It also urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to support updated rules where biosolids application could introduce PFAS into the food supply.
The text notes that biosolids—treated sewage sludge used as a fertilizer—are certified under DEP standards for nutrients, trace elements, PCBs and pathogens, but that DEP does not currently require PFAS testing. The resolution states that PFAS "may represent a public health and environmental risk" that can contaminate soil, groundwater, surface water and animal tissue.
Commissioner Doug McLinko moved the resolution and Commissioner Zachary R. Gates seconded; the motion carried with all voting “aye.” The resolution asks federal and state agencies to use the latest research to revise standards and asks the Pennsylvania Legislature to monitor agency progress.
The resolution does not itself change county permitting or ban biosolids; it is a formal request that federal and state regulators update testing and permitting standards. The commissioners did not record any formal amendments to the resolution during the meeting. Next steps are external: the county’s measure is a public policy request to state and federal agencies and the Legislature rather than a change in local permitting.
