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Committee votes to pursue moratorium on new biosolids land‑spreading permits while state rules evolve
Summary
After extended discussion about testing, PFAS concerns and municipal incentives, the committee voted to pursue a county moratorium on issuance of new permits for land spreading of biosolids until DEC clarifies testing and permitting criteria.
Committee members debated whether the county can meaningfully limit land spreading of biosolids given that New York State issues related permits. Members said municipalities with existing permits would remain allowed to spread under their current municipal permits, but several legislators urged caution about new permits while state testing rules are revised.
"I would be requesting that Steuben County have a moratorium on no new permits issued for land spreading within the county," one member said, arguing that a local moratorium could put pressure on the state to act. Speakers raised farmer incentives (reduced fertilizer costs), PFAS contamination concerns and gaps in local technical capacity to independently verify safety. The committee moved and seconded a motion to pursue a county moratorium on new land‑spreading permits; the motion carried after discussion.
Staff and members discussed legal limits—state permits govern the activity—and whether a county permitting step or moratorium on issuing local landowner permits would be the enforceable lever; staff agreed to further examine the legal pathway and draft a motion for formal memorialization or local ordinance as appropriate.
