The bill H.292 aims to prohibit the land application and sale of biosolids, sewage sludge, or similar liquid wastes that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It also bans the landfill disposal of these materials if their PFAS levels exceed state hazardous waste standards. To support these measures, the bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "biosolids," "PFAS," "septage," and "sludge," and mandates that the Secretary of Natural Resources test all biosolids and similar wastes for PFAS before any land application or sale occurs. If PFAS are detected, the bill prohibits both land application and sale of the affected materials.

Additionally, the bill amends existing regulations regarding solid waste management, specifically stating that solid waste, landfill leachate, septage, or sludge with PFAS levels above state standards cannot be disposed of in landfills. It also specifies that sludge cannot be used as daily cover at landfills in Vermont. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing time for implementation of the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-6602, 10-6604b, 10-6621a