DEP/Agriculture Invite Comments On Updated Safeguards To Prevent PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' In Wastewater Biosolids From Polluting Groundwater

On July 2, the  Department of Environmental Protection announced it is now accepting comments on two permit updates that will prevent Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) “forever” chemicals in biosolids from polluting farm fields and groundwater. 

The draft permits are published in the July 4 Pennsylvania Bulletin. 

The permits are PAG-07 (General Permit for Beneficial Use of Exceptional Quality Biosolids) and PAG-08 (General Permit for Beneficial Use of Biosolids). 

An additional permit for septage biosolids (PAG-09) is also available for public comment.

The updated permits introduce monitoring requirements for the first time for wastewater treatment facilities that produce biosolids for land application.

“Pennsylvania continues to lead the way in protecting residents from PFAS chemicals. Three years ago, we published the first standalone drinking water safeguards in Pennsylvania history, years ahead of the federal government, and today we are taking steps to keep forever chemicals out of our food and out of our groundwater,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These updated permits will give the farmers of Pennsylvania peace of mind that the biosolids they use to fertilize their fields are not going to come with PFAS contamination.”

“Farmers need reassurance that what they spread on their fields is safe,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This is central to public trust and to growing safe, healthy food that also protects our water resources for the future. In crafting thoughtful, intentional public policy we must consider established scientific data, coupled with public and industry perspectives to ensure our success in protecting soil, water, and food systems.”  

Under the updated permits, wastewater treatment facilities would have to monitor PFOS and PFOA in any biosolids they produce for land application. PFOS and PFOA are two forever chemicals that have been linked to health issues like cancer.  

The permits would also require that wastewater treatment facilities with PFOS or PFOA in biosolids over a certain threshold develop a plan to reduce the amounts of the chemicals in the wastewater. 

The updated permits would also allow wastewater treatment facilities to accept food waste in their digesters.   

DEP developed the revisions to these permits through a robust two-phase stakeholder engagement process. 

First, beginning in January 2025, DEP convened a 16-member Data Gathering Team to review available data and practices in other states regarding PFAS in biosolids. 

With the results from the Data Gathering Team in hand, DEP then formed a Biosolids Working Group to discuss proposed updates to the general permits. 

This group included the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, Pennsylvania Water Environment Association, Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association, the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, PennAg Industries, PA Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and DEP. 

How To Comment

DEP will hold a 60-day comment period that will open July 4, 2026 and close at 11:59 PM on September 2, 2026. 

All comments will be taken into consideration. Comments may be submitted through DEP’s eComment platform or by emailing ecomment@pa.gov  (emailed comments must include the originator’s name and address). 

In January 2023 DEP finalized regulations limiting PFOS and PFOA in drinking water, the first time that Pennsylvania has ever set a drinking water standard independent of the federal government, which was still years away from implementing drinking water limits. 

DEP continues to investigate sources of PFAS contamination throughout Pennsylvania. 

Click Here for the DEP - Agriculture announcement.

Visit DEP’s Biosolids Program webpage for more information on management of biosolids.

Resource Links:

-- DEP Briefing: Proposed Changes To Biosolids Permits To Reduce Risks From PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Phosphorus Pollution, Improper Storage, Set More Robust Testing Standards  [PaEN]  

-- EPA Releases Draft Risk Assessment Saying Land Application Of Biosolids With PFOA And PFOS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Can Be A Human Health Risk  [PaEN]  [January 2025]

-- Guest Essay: How Farmers Are Navigating The Challenges Of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' - The Growing Problem Of PFAS Contamination In Agriculture  [PaEN]

-- EPA Seeks Comment On Draft Guidance For Reducing Risks From PFOA/PFOS In Wastewater Biosolids [When Released]   [PaEN]   [July 2026]

Related Articles This Week:

-- Environmental Quality Board Meets July 14 To Consider Final PFAS Land Recycling Program Regulation Changes, Hear Fee Reports On Water Quality Permits, Erosion & Sedimentation Permits  [PaEN] 

-- DEP/Agriculture Invite Comments On Updated Safeguards To Prevent PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' In Wastewater Biosolids From Polluting Groundwater  [PaEN]  

-- PA Dept. of Agriculture: Get Ready To Apply For Resource Enhancement & Protection (REAP) Farm Conservation Tax Credits  [PaEN] 

-- Dept. Of Agriculture To Start Accepting Applications For Sustainable Agriculture Grants July 13

-- DEP Chesapeake Bay Program Update Highlights 10 Millionth Tree Planted; County Water Quality Improvement Projects; Education Opportunities  [PaEN] 

-- PA Interfaith Power & Light Issues RFP For At Least 50,000 Trees For Roots Branches & Hands Tree Planting Initiative  [PaEN]  

-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Federal Court Hears Arguments To Halt Cuffs Run Pump-Storage Susquehanna River Hydroelectric Project In York County  [PaEN] 

-- DEP: Drought Conditions In Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh Counties Worsen From Drought Watch To Warning  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- WNEP: An Ancient Lenape Ceremony Blessing The Delaware River In Monroe County 

-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Accepting Entries For Summer Confluence: Land, Water, Wildlife Photo Contest Aug. 3 to 31

-- The Allegheny Front: After Demolition Of Elizabeth Locks & Dam, The Impact  On Monongahela River And Businesses That Depend On It Is Much Different Than Expected 

[Posted: July 2, 2026]  PA Environment Digest