A proposal to ban the use of biosolids on Virginia farmland has been significantly narrowed as it moves through the legislature. Senate Bill 386 was amended to drop an outright ban and instead set chemical thresholds for land application.
Under the revised bill, biosolids could not be spread if combined PFAS chemicals exceed 50 parts per billion. Lower concentrations between 25 and 50 parts per billion would trigger reduced application rates and notification requirements for landowners. Local governments would also be allowed to adopt stricter limits. The change followed pushback from wastewater utilities, biosolids handlers, and agricultural groups who warned a full ban would leave few disposal options and raise costs. Similar limits appear in legislation pending in the House of Delegates. Supporters say the measure keeps pressure on regulators to address PFAS contamination, while critics argue the limits are still unworkable. The bill was allowed to advance to keep negotiations alive as lawmakers weigh environmental risks against wastewater disposal realities.
