Bill to track PFAS in sewage sludge and limit applications laid over after committee discussion

ST. PAUL

Chair Hansen presented House File 25 77, a bill aimed at addressing PFAS in sewage sludge and the application of sewage-derived materials to land. The measure would define criteria for sewage sludge, allow the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to access and review records and transactions related to sludge to investigate potential PFAS occurrences, require records retention, prohibit certain open burning and restrict application of animal waste and fertilizer to impervious surfaces without containment.

"This bill's purpose is to help track where these applications happen and retain records so future owners and investigators have the data they need," Chair Hansen said, noting the issue was debated extensively last year.

Members asked whether the bill's language mirrors measures enacted or debated in northeastern states and how to address land-transfer impacts when contamination is discovered. Chair Hansen said the intent is similar: provide tracking and records-retention to help future owners and regulators. He also noted federal actions on pesticides have been more active than on fertilizer and that some bill provisions may be advanced as separate pieces to manage fiscal and implementation issues.

Outcome: Chair Hansen renewed his motion to lay House File 25 77 over; the committee laid the bill over for further consideration. No final committee vote on enactment occurred.

What's next: Sponsors indicated further negotiation will continue and some elements may be split into smaller, doable pieces ahead of later sessions or deadlines.