Home / Environment / NH Bill Targets PFAS in Farm Sludge: Moratorium Proposed
NH Bill Targets PFAS in Farm Sludge: Moratorium Proposed
16 Feb
Summary
- A bill proposes a five-year moratorium on using sludge as fertilizer.
- Sludge may contain PFAS, a chemical linked to serious health issues.
- A relief fund is proposed to aid farmers affected by contamination.
New Hampshire is considering House Bill 1275, which aims to address the presence of PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' in sewage sludge used as agricultural fertilizer. The bill proposes a five-year moratorium on the land application of sludge, a practice that has been ongoing for decades to enrich farmlands.
This proposed legislation also seeks to establish a New Hampshire Agricultural PFAS Relief Fund. This fund would provide financial assistance to farmers who discover PFAS contamination in their land or crops, covering costs for testing, water filtration, and remediation. The initiative has sparked debate among farmers, wastewater professionals, and legislators.
While sludge offers benefits as a fertilizer, concerns are mounting due to its potential to contain harmful chemicals like PFAS. These persistent chemicals, common in consumer products, are not removed by typical wastewater treatment and have been linked to significant health issues in studies. The extent of PFAS contamination on New Hampshire farms remains largely unknown, prompting calls for greater regulation and farmer support.
