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Parker County urges tighter biosolids permitting and testing after regional incidents
Summary
The Commissioners Court unanimously passed Resolution 25‑11 supporting new language proposed by the Texas State Chemist and urging the state legislature to review biosolids permitting, testing and application after examples and testing in neighboring Johnson County raised PFAS and environmental concerns.
The Parker County Commissioners Court on May 2 passed Resolution 25‑11 calling for stricter regulation, permitting and testing of biosolids before land application in Texas.
Commissioner Walden introduced the resolution, citing incidents in Johnson County where testing and investigations linked biosolids applications to elevated levels of PFAS in water and animal tissue. He said county leaders have long been concerned about biosolids applications in Parker County and referenced past local complaints about odors and vegetation damage.
The resolution supports proposed language from the Texas State Chemist that would require waste products not contain deleterious or harmful substances in quantities injurious to plants, animals, humans, aquatic life, soil or water, and urges the state legislature and state agencies to review permitting and testing standards before widespread application. Commissioners discussed local history of spreads in Precincts 1 and 2, possible environmental and livestock impacts, and the prospect that operations displaced from neighboring counties could move into Parker County if rules change.
Commissioner Walden moved to adopt the resolution and forward it to state representatives and agencies; the motion carried 5–0.
