EPA Seeks Comment On Draft Guidance For Reducing Risks From PFOA/PFOS In Wastewater Biosolids [When Released]

On July 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will release draft guidance to help wastewater utilities, landowners, and the public reduce risk from PFOA and PFOS in biosolids.  

After reviewing extensive public input, EPA said it determined that the previous administration's Draft Risk Assessment relied on assumptions too disconnected from real-world conditions to give Americans clear, actionable information

The agency received comments that flagged that there are risks at trace concentrations near the limit of detection, levels lower than those already found in everyday soil and household products.

They also commented that the assessment relied on a simplified, straight-line risk calculation that independent scientists have questioned.

Commenters underscored the assessment leaned on data from atypical, industrially contaminated sites while overlooking newer research from communities where ordinary household biosolids have been safely land-applied for decades.

{A copy of the draft guidance was not available with this announcement.]

EPA will solicit comment on the draft guidance for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. 

Once the notice is published, comments can be submitted using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2026-2509. The notice will contain additional information on how to submit a comment.  

Click Here for a copy of EPA’s announcement.

Resource Links:

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

[Posted: July 1, 2026] PA Environment Digest