The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) related to the management of biosolids, which are primarily organic, semisolid products resulting from wastewater treatment. Key findings of the legislature include the recognition of municipal sewage sludge as an unavoidable by-product of wastewater treatment, the increasing production of biosolids due to population growth and technological advancements, and the potential risks posed by contaminants such as PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes a program to manage municipal sewage sludge, ensuring its beneficial reuse while minimizing risks to public health and the environment. It also mandates the Department of Ecology to set pollutant limits for PFAS chemicals in biosolids by December 30, 2026, and prohibits the land application of biosolids that do not comply with these limits.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for public notification regarding the land application of bulk biosolids and establishes a publicly accessible online map of approved application sites. It outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Ecology in implementing a biosolid management program, including the collection of annual fees to cover permit administration expenses. The bill emphasizes the importance of stakeholder consultation before adopting or amending rules related to PFAS pollutant limits, ensuring that input from experts and interested parties is considered in the decision-making process.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.226.005, 70A.226.007, 70A.226.010, 70A.226.020, 70A.226.030
Substitute Bill: 70A.226.005, 70A.226.007, 70A.226.010, 70A.226.020, 70A.226.030