MarylandHB 09252026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

Annual fees for sludge generators

Beginning October 1, 2026, the Department sets annual fees on sludge generators to fund the program. Fees consider sludge volume, how it is used, monitoring and regulatory needs, and health risks. The rulemaking allows public input. The law does not set exact dollar amounts.

Limits on industrial PFAS discharges

Starting October 1, 2028, the Department and local pretreatment authorities can set limits on industrial PFAS discharges into sewers. If a public treatment plant has sludge at 25 ppb or more and no pretreatment program, the Department will work with it to set permits or local limits on contributing users. Local pretreatment programs may charge rates or fees to industrial users.

Blending allowed with strict testing

Starting October 1, 2028, generators with sludge between 25 and 50 ppb PFAS may blend materials for up to two years to get below 25 ppb. Blended sludge must be tested at least monthly. If tests show 25 ppb or more, the generator must tell the Department at once and stop land application until tests drop below 25 ppb. From October 1, 2028, compliance uses a 12‑month average of samples taken at least quarterly where sludge leaves the facility. Labs must use EPA Method 1633A (or equivalent) with a lab limit of quantitation of 2 ppb or less.

Generators must track PFAS sources

Starting October 1, 2028, any generator that finds 25 ppb or more must complete a PFAS source‑tracking study. The generator must work with the Department on a mitigation plan to cut PFAS below 25 ppb on a timeline not longer than five years. Generators must follow the approved plan. If the Department finds a generator out of compliance, it can bar that generator from land application. The Department provides technical help for studies and plans.

PFAS limits on farm sludge use

Starting October 1, 2028, sludge with total PFAS of 50 ppb or more cannot be spread on farm or marginal land. Material between 25 and 50 ppb may be used only under tight temporary rules. For up to 12 months, application must stay at or below 3 dry metric tons per hectare and meet Class B biosolids setbacks plus extra well buffers. At least 14 days before applying 25–50 ppb material, the applier must tell the landowner, adjoining owners, and local governments the PFAS level.

PFAS land spreading scope and rulemaking

Beginning October 1, 2026, the PFAS rules apply only to sludge and sludge‑based products that are spread on land in Maryland. The law clarifies what counts as sewage and who is a sludge generator, including the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Maryland Environmental Service, and excluding septic system owners. The Department must write rules for this program and needs Agriculture Department approval for land‑application rules.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Dana Stein
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Dylan Behler
Democratic • House
Linda Foley
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Robbyn Lewis
Democratic • House
Darrell Odom
Democratic • House
Natalie Ziegler
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 7

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 7 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 330
4/28/2026
Returned Passed
4/9/2026House
Third Reading Passed (43-0)
4/8/2026Senate
Second Reading Passed
4/7/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted
4/7/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
4/6/2026Senate
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
3/23/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (130-7)
3/23/2026House
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/21/2026House
Favorable with Amendments {653629/1 Adopted
3/21/2026House
Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation
3/21/2026House
Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
2/10/2026House
First Reading Environment and Transportation and Health
2/5/2026House

Bill Text

Third Reading
3/21/2026
PDF
First Reading
2/5/2026
PDF

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