Hawaii House Bill HB2785

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/26/24

Caption

Relating To Wastewater Management.

Impact

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.