MarylandHB 09252026 Regular SessionHouse

Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Sludge generators must reduce PFAS sources

Beginning October 1, 2026, generators must study sources when sludge intended for land application reaches 25 parts per billion of regulated PFAS. The study must identify controllable PFOS and PFOA sources in enough detail to reduce or prevent releases. Generators must develop a plan with Maryland's environment department and submit it within six months after finishing the study. The plan must target levels below 25 parts per billion, with implementation taking no more than five years from the determination. Maryland may grant one filing extension for urgent circumstances or investigation and design needs. Generators cannot apply sludge when the department finds they are not following an approved plan.

Farms face new sludge pollution limits

Beginning October 1, 2028, Maryland bans sludge with at least 50 parts per billion of regulated PFAS on agricultural or marginal land. Sludge with at least 25 but less than 50 parts per billion has one temporary 12-month application window. Application requires source tracking and mitigation, and is capped at 3 dry metric tons per acre. Required buffers include Class B biosolids setbacks and added distances from public and private water-supply wells. At least 14 days beforehand, appliers must give written notice to the landowner or operator, adjoining owners, county, and municipality.

New testing rules for sewage sludge

Beginning October 1, 2026, sludge PFAS levels use the average of samples from the previous 12 months. Samples must be taken during normal operations, at least quarterly. Certified or accredited labs must use EPA Method 1633A or a state-approved equivalent; Maryland sets the reporting level. The law also defines sewage as water-carried domestic waste from residences, buildings, industrial establishments, or other places. This replaces wording that also referred to human or animal excretion and mixtures with industrial waste.

Industrial dischargers face controls and fees

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland and local pretreatment authorities may set industrial PFAS controls under the federal Clean Water Act. Controls apply above state or local action levels; this law does not set a specific industrial discharge limit. Maryland must review industrial sources and determine controls for public plants lacking pretreatment programs whose land-use sludge reaches 25 parts per billion. Local authorities may charge individual industrial users or groups whose PFAS discharges require mitigation; amounts are not set, and households are not charged directly. Maryland must issue guidance for public plants and provide reasonable technical help when local jurisdictions request help using local discharge-limit authority.

Sludge operators get limited blending options

Beginning October 1, 2028, operators may blend treated sludge containing at least 25 but less than 50 parts per billion of regulated PFAS. Blending must aim for a final level below 25 parts per billion and follow Maryland's environment department rules. It may continue for no more than two years after the determination. Material intended for land application requires representative testing at least monthly; a mass-balance calculation is allowed for up to 12 months after blending starts. A result of at least 25 parts per billion requires immediate department notice and stops application until further testing shows a lower level.

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