An Act protecting our soil and farms from PFAS contamination
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 56) of Joanne M. Comerford, Sal N. DiDomenico, Jason M. Lewis, Michael O. Moore and others for legislation to protect our soil and farms from PFAS contamination. Agriculture.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that build up in our bodies and do not easily break down in the environment — which is why they are known as “forever chemicals.” Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases. When PFAS is introduced to soils used for growing crops, it contaminates the food grown in that soil and can then pass on to farmers and consumers. PFAS contamination in soil happens most frequently from the application of fertilizers made from treated wastewater, or sewage “sludge.” This bill bans the land application of sludge, requires manufacturers to test fertilizer for PFAS, and provides important legal and financial protections for farmers, including new funds to help farmers address PFAS contamination and pay for alternative fertilizers. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to create a plan to support municipalities in reducing and disposing of toxic sludge.
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