WashingtonSB 50332025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning sampling or testing of biosolids for PFAS chemicals.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Biosolids permit fees can cover testing costs

Ecology’s annual biosolids permit fees can now cover its sampling and testing expenses, alongside other permit oversight costs. Fees are based on contributing residences or equivalent residential units. Other criteria apply when those numbers cannot be determined or reasonably estimated. Ecology sets the initial fee schedule by rule and can adjust it no more than once every two years. Fees apply going forward to all permits, regardless of when they were issued. Fee money goes into a dedicated state account and requires legislative approval for spending on permit administration. Ecology must post fees collected, actual costs, and expected costs online. It must consult permit holders and local health departments about fee changes that support local oversight and reduce local fees. The law sets no dollar amount or guaranteed increase; utilities may pass added costs through to household bills.

New testing rules for sewage soil amendments

Effective July 27, 2025, Washington updates its rules for biosolids—treated sewage solids reused as soil amendments. Ecology must follow federal standards in effect that day, replacing the February 4, 1987 reference date. It must adopt conforming state rules within 12 months after relevant federal rules are adopted. State and local permits must allow public input. Ecology must publish PFAS chemical sampling guidance by July 1, 2026. Covered facilities must follow that guidance; septic tank sludge, called septage, is excluded from these testing requirements. Sampling must start no later than January 1, 2027, and end June 30, 2028, occurring no more than quarterly. Accredited labs must test samples using EPA Method 1633A as it existed in December 2024. Facilities must submit all results by September 30, 2028. By that same date, Ecology must convene an advisory committee before developing its report. Farmers, utilities, local governments, toxicologists, technical experts, and other interested groups provide input on sampling and recommendations. By July 1, 2029, Ecology must publicly report findings and recommendations for biosolids produced or land-applied in Washington.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jeff Wilson
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Deborah Krishnadasan
Democratic • Senate
Jessica Bateman
Democratic • Senate
Lisa Wellman
Democratic • Senate
Liz Lovelett
Democratic • Senate
Manka Dhingra
Democratic • Senate
Mike Chapman
Democratic • Senate
Perry Dozier
Republican • Senate
Rebecca Saldaña
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate
Yasmin Trudeau
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 193 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/7/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage