EPA Drafts Plan to Keep Forever Chemicals Out of Poop
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is sharing a draft guide to help wastewater plants, farmers, and water agencies reduce harmful chemicals called PFOA and PFOS in biosolids (treated sewage sludge). They want your thoughts on these ideas by September 4, 2026. While this guide isn’t a rule yet, it’s a big step toward safer soil and water, with no immediate costs but plenty of future benefits.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Biosolids Often Land‑Applied; PFAS Persist
The EPA notes that roughly 60% of the nation's sewage sludge is land applied as biosolids (about 32% to agricultural land and 28% to other lands), while 25% goes to landfill and 14% is incinerated; traditional wastewater treatment does not remove or destroy PFOA and PFOS, and these chemicals can accumulate in sewage sludge. The agency highlighted that biosolids are applied to less than 1% of U.S. farmland annually and referenced 1 part per billion (ppb) as a modeled starting concentration in its Draft Risk Assessment (not intended as a universal 'safe level').
EPA Issues Non‑Binding PFAS Biosolids Guidance
The EPA published a draft, non-binding guidance that offers voluntary recommendations to wastewater treatment plant operators, landowners and farmers, State and Tribal water agencies, and the public on ways to reduce PFOA and PFOS in biosolids. The agency is seeking public comment for 60 days, with comments due on or before September 4, 2026; the draft guidance does not have the force of law and cannot be relied on in litigation.
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