Hawaii House Bill HR183

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution calls for regular testing and monitoring of wastewater treatment plants to mitigate the potential application of PFAS-contaminated biosolids and reclaimed water. By establishing standards for testing, it seeks to protect consumers, farmers, and the environment from harmful substances that could disrupt food safety and public health. Moreover, the bill urges the adoption of administrative rules for the safe disposal of materials containing PFAS, which can lead to significant changes in how wastewater treatment facilities operate within the state, particularly in terms of their regulatory compliance.

Summary

HR183 urges the Department of Health and the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to take necessary actions to incentivize wastewater treatment plants to test for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge, reclaimed water, and other residual materials. PFAS are often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks associated with exposure, even at low levels. The bill highlights instances where PFAS have been detected in biosolids and reclaimed water in Hawaii, posing a risk to the food chain, public health, and the agricultural sector.

Contention

Significant concern arises from the implications of PFAS-contaminated materials used in agriculture, which can result in bioaccumulation through crops and into the food supply. The resolution calls for the prohibition of using such materials on agronomic lands, especially those that drain into state waters or are situated within a five-hundred-year floodplain if PFAS is present. This could lead to tensions between agricultural practices and environmental regulations, impacting farmers who rely on biosolids and reclaimed water for fertilization and irrigation, thus balancing public health concerns with agricultural productivity.