PA Environment Digest Blog: Delaware RiverKeeper Hosts July 23 Webinar On Changes DEP Proposes In Regulating Wastewater Biosolids To Prevent PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Contamination

The Delaware RiverKeeper Network will host a July 23 webinar on changes the Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to the way it regulates the land application of wastewater biosolids to prevent PFAS ‘forever chemical’ contamination.

The webinar will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Sewage sludge, processed into “biosolids,” has been applied on farm fields for decades in Pennsylvania.

There is mounting evidence that biosolids applied on land can contaminate groundwater, surface water, soil, air, and crops/farm products.

There are now concerns biosolids can be a source of PFAS ‘forever chemical’ contamination.

Both Maine and Connecticut have banned the practice, and other states are adopting regulations to limit the pollutants that can migrate into the environment and our drinking water from land treated with biosolids.

We need protection from this pollution here in the Commonwealth.

Participants in this webinar will hear what changes are being proposed to each of the three General Permits that DEP issues for the land application of sewage sludge/biosolids and will offer guidance on points you can make.

Overall, the revisions move us towards limiting the release of dangerous pollutants, but they certainly do not go far enough since the use of biosolids containing highly toxic “forever chemicals” or PFAS, for instance, will still be allowed.

Other permit conditions also need to be more protective than proposed.

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit the Delaware RiverKeeper Network website to learn more about issues impacting the Delaware River Watershed.

Resource Links:

-- DEP To Hold May 11 Hearing On North Centre Twp. PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Hazardous Site Response In 12 Municipalities In Columbia County Involving Contaminated Sewage Sludge [PaEN]

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

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

-- 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]

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