The implications of HB 2785 are far-reaching within the framework of state laws governing wastewater management. The bill obliges the Department of Health to adopt administrative rules for the safe disposal of sludge that contains any detectable amounts of PFAS. This will likely establish stricter guidelines for wastewater treatment facilities and could result in increased operational costs for these facilities as they navigate the new testing and disposal mandates. Moreover, by restricting land applications of PFAS-containing sludge, the bill aims to protect water resources and mitigate contamination risks in agricultural and flood-prone areas.
Summary
House Bill 2785 proposes critical amendments to Chapter 342D of the Hawaii Revised Statutes concerning wastewater management. Specifically, it mandates that wastewater treatment plants test sewage sludge and other residual materials for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This legislative measure is a response to growing concerns regarding the environmental and health risks posed by PFAS, which are known to accumulate in the human body and the environment, leading to potential adverse health effects. By instituting these testing requirements, the bill aims to enhance public health safeguards and ensure that land application of treated sewage does not contaminate agricultural or sensitive land areas.
Contention
While the bill aims to protect public health and the environment, it may face discussion on its implementation and the associated costs. Operators of wastewater treatment facilities may express concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing PFAS testing and the economic burden of compliance with the new regulations. Critics might argue that the bill could impose excessive regulatory burdens without sufficiently balancing the needs of public health against economic realities. The discussions may also center on how rigorously the Department of Health will enforce these new rules and the potential impacts on agricultural practices depending on the results of PFAS tests.
A bill for an act requiring testing for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge and other residual materials at wastewater treatment plants, and making penalties applicable.
Urging The Department Of Health And University Of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center To Take All Action Necessary To Incentivize Wastewater Treatment Plants To Test Sewage Sludge, Reclaimed Water, And Any Other Residual Material For The Presence Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
Urging The Department Of Health And University Of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center To Take All Action Necessary To Incentivize Wastewater Treatment Plants To Test Sewage Sludge, Reclaimed Water, And Any Other Residual Material For The Presence Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
Urging The Department Of Health And University Of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center To Take All Action Necessary To Incentivize Wastewater Treatment Plants To Test Sewage Sludge, Reclaimed Water, And Any Other Residual Material For The Presence Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
A bill for an act requiring testing for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge and other residual materials at wastewater treatment plants, and making penalties applicable.
Urging The Department Of Health To Take All Action Necessary To Require Wastewater Treatment Plants To Test Sewage Sludge And Any Other Residual Material For The Presence Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
Urging The Department Of Health To Take All Action Necessary To Require Wastewater Treatment Plants To Test Sewage Sludge And Any Other Residual Material For The Presence Of Perfluoroalkyl And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
Requires DEP and Drinking Water Quality Institute to perform study concerning regulation and treatment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.