PFAS in Wastewater is a Growing Concern
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are toxic, persistent chemicals found in everything from firefighting foam to fast food wrappers. As communities learn more about the long-term effects of PFAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is intensifying efforts to address exposure through wastewater and biosolids. For background on PFAS regulations on wastewater and sludge, read our previous article here.
EPA’s Latest Draft Risk Assessment Raises Red Flags
In January 2025, the EPA released its Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for PFOA and PFOS. The draft report found that applying biosolids with as little as 1 part per billion PFOA or PFOS may pose unacceptable health risks. These risks are especially concerning for families living near sludge-applied farmland or consuming food grown on farms using biosolid fertilizer. The current findings of the Draft Risk Assessment are preliminary, and the EPA is expected to publish a finalized Risk Assessment after reviewing public comments.
The National Sewage Sludge Survey is Coming
To better understand PFAS exposure nationwide, the EPA will soon launch its Next National Sewage Sludge Survey. Previous National Sewage Sludge Surveys have helped the EPA understand concentrations of specific pollutants in sludge, such as pharmaceuticals, steroids, and hormones (2006 Survey) and dioxin compounds (2001 Survey). This upcoming survey will collect PFAS concentration data from treatment plants across the U.S. The survey, in tandem with the Risk Assessment, are crucial steps in determining whether additional regulation is needed under Section 405 of the Clean Water Act in order to protect public and environmental health.
What This Means for Communities
Biosolids are often promoted as a sustainable and cheaper fertilizer, but they contain hidden risks. The EPA’s survey and future rulemaking could lead to new obligations for wastewater treatment plants, farmers, and landowners. Therefore, people living near land-applied biosolids should pay close attention to these developments.
