Recent years have shown us that the PFAS chemical family is perniciously persistent and bio-accumulative. They are even referred to as “forever chemicals.” Several cities in the state have found unacceptably high levels in their drinking water, most frequently when those cities are near areas where firefighting foam had been used in large amounts, such as at training locations.

Given that persistence, PFAS are found everywhere in the environment—and in ourselves. SB 5245 from Sen. Jeff Wilson (R–Longview) proposes to further regulate PFAS in biosolids, the byproduct of wastewater treatment plants.

The focus of the bill directs the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to establish pollutant limits for PFAS in biosolids, and then prohibit land application of biosolids exceeding those limits.

Ecology must also map where land application has occurred and develop rules requiring notification of neighboring property owners when biosolids will be land applied.

This proposal is on the move. Please share any feedback.

Speaking of regulating PFAS, Ecology has developed draft guidance that is available for public comment until March 3, 2023. This guidance provides information and direction on:

• Known PFAS impacts across Washington
• Preliminary soil and groundwater cleanup levels
• Sampling options for PFAS compounds
• Approaches to minimize cross-contamination
• Protective concentrations for ecological receptors
• Field demonstrated treatment technologies

It also explains how the Ecology determined the cleanup levels and how they apply to individual sites.