Recently, the Oregon Senate passed HB2947 directing Oregon State University’s Extension Service and College of Agricultural Sciences to study the occurrence and distribution of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in biosolids at select sites across the state.
Biosolids, a byproduct of treated wastewater, are nutrient-rich organic materials and are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers used on pastures and non-food agricultural lands. In other states, biosolids have been found to have high levels of PFAS that disperse into soil, water and crops.
Under HB 2947, OSU will partner with the Department of Environmental Quality and wastewater treatment facilities to examine PFAS levels in biosolids, test soils from application sites and evaluate whether these chemicals leach into groundwater or persist in surrounding land.
“Oregonians across the state share a growing awareness and concern about the negative health impacts of PFAS contamination and exposure,” said Senator Courtney Neron Misslin (D – King City, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville), the bill’s chief sponsor and Senate carrier. “When companies manufacture and use PFAS, they become part of our world. We owe it to Oregon farmers, rural communities and consumers to fully understand what ends up in our water and soils.”
PFAS were introduced into consumer products as early as the 1950s and quickly became popular for their ability to resist heat, water and grease. Today they are used in thousands of everyday products, from food packaging to clothing to cosmetics. Because they have been in use for decades, they are estimated to be widespread in our environment although exact data of their prevalence isn’t extensive.
“Companies used to say ‘better living through chemistry,’ but it turns out that some of those chemicals harm our health and natural world,” said Representative Sarah Finger McDonald (D-Corvallis and Adair Village), who carried the bill on the House floor. “We need to know what we are putting into our wastewater because it ends up on our fields and in our waterways.”
As their nickname “forever chemicals” suggests, PFAS bioaccumulate in the human body and in the environment. They are known to cause adverse health impacts at high levels of exposure and have been found all over the globe.
“We must step up to understand the potential impact of these ‘forever chemicals’ in Oregon,” said Senator Deb Patterson (D – South Salem), sponsor and chair of the Senate Committee on Healthcare. “It’s critical that we support the collection of good data to help protect our state’s land and water for future generations.”
“PFAS may be invisible, but their impact doesn’t have to be unknown,” said Senator Janeen Sollman (D – Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, Banks and Rock Creek). “This study is an important step toward safeguarding our natural resources and public health.”
“Understanding whether PFAS is a significant threat is paramount to responsible management of our waters in Oregon,” said Rep. Ken Helm (D-Beaverton, Cedar Hills), Co-Chair of the House Agricultural, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water Committee.
This study will deliver necessary information to Oregon leaders, municipal wastewater utilities and farmers to make sound decisions about community safety and the future of these practices. The bill now heads to Governor Kotek for her signature.
