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MarylandSB 07192026 Regular SessionSenate

Sewage Sludge - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Regulation

Sponsored By: Sara Love (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

EnvironmentAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.BoundariesChemical TestsEnvironment, Department of theEnvironmental Matters -see also- Conserv; Nat Resrce; PollutEnvironmental Service, MarylandFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFertilizersHazardous and Toxic Substances -see also- Asbestos; RadiatnIndustry and ManufacturingLaboratoriesLocal Government MandatesNoticesPlans and ProposalsPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Buildings and Facilities -see also- Stadiums; St HseReal PropertyRules and RegulationsSewageStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTimeWashington Suburban Sanitary DistrictWastewaterWater PollutionWeights and Measures

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tighter PFAS limits for farm sludge

Beginning October 1, 2028, land application is banned if total regulated PFAS is 50 ppb or more. Sludge with 25 to under 50 ppb is allowed only under strict rules. You can apply at no more than 3 dry metric tons per acre. You must follow required setbacks, including extra distances from public and private water wells. You must give written notice at least 14 days before applying to the landowner, adjoining landowners, and the local government. These mid‑range uses also carry required monitoring and mitigation steps.

Industrial PFAS pretreatment rules and fees

Starting October 1, 2026, the Department and pretreatment authorities can set PFAS pretreatment standards for industrial users that exceed action levels. If a public treatment plant without an industrial pretreatment program produces sludge at 25 ppb or more, the Department evaluates industrial contributions and sets needed controls. Local jurisdictions or pretreatment authorities may charge fees to these dischargers and can set stricter local limits.

PFAS source tracking plans for generators

Beginning October 1, 2026, if your sludge tests at 25 ppb or higher, you must complete a source‑tracking study and make a mitigation plan with the Department. The plan must identify major PFAS sources and actions to bring levels below 25 ppb. The plan’s implementation timeline cannot exceed five years from your determination date. The Department reviews, can approve or require changes, and considers costs. You must follow the approved plan and cannot land‑apply sludge if you are found out of compliance. The Department may allow one limited extension and provides technical help.

Testing and blending rules for PFAS sludge

Beginning October 1, 2026, compliance uses the average of PFAS samples from the past 12 months. Sampling happens during normal operations at least quarterly, and certified labs must use EPA Method 1633A or an approved equivalent. If commingling starts on or before October 1, 2027, operators may use a mass‑balance estimate for up to 12 months. Beginning October 1, 2028, if sludge tests at 25 to under 50 ppb, generators may mix materials for up to two years to get below 25 ppb. If the mixed product is 25 ppb or higher, you must notify the Department right away and stop land application until later tests show it is under 25 ppb. While mixing for land application, you must test at least monthly.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Katie Fry Hester

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 216 • No: 8

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 8 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 329

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (129-8)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {853822/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/8/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)

    3/25/2026House

  10. Referred Environment and Transportation Health

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {423427/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Motion Laid Over (Senator Ellis) Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {423427/1

    3/18/2026Senate

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/16/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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