Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB268

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

Biosolids; prohibiting land application, spreading, sale, and distribution of certain materials; requiring reporting; requiring remediation. Emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to formulate a removal and remediation plan for agricultural producers who are affected by PFAS contamination. It empowers the Department of Environmental Quality to develop a comprehensive long-term plan for prohibiting land application of septage while ensuring that the capacity at wastewater treatment facilities is sufficient to handle the required changes. The overarching goal is to safeguard agricultural producers and consumers from potential health hazards stemming from contaminated biosolids.

Summary

Senate Bill 268 focuses on the regulation of biosolids in Oklahoma, specifically addressing concerns related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill prohibits the land application, spreading, sale, and distribution of biosolids derived from municipal, commercial, or industrial wastewater treatment plants, as well as other contaminated materials used in agriculture. This legislation arises from increasing awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS contamination, particularly in agricultural practices that may inadvertently incorporate such pollutants into the food chain.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB268 include its impact on agricultural practices and the economic implications for farmers who may rely on biosolids for fertilizer. Opponents may argue that the restrictions could lead to increased costs for agricultural producers who need to find alternative methods for soil enhancement. Supporters, however, assert that the environmental and public health benefits far outweigh any economic disadvantages, particularly in light of the known risks associated with PFAS exposure. The enforcement of these regulations will be crucial in establishing a clearer demarcation between safe and unsafe agricultural practices concerning biosolids.

Enforcement

The bill authorizes both the Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to enforce its provisions, promoting an inter-agency collaboration to effectively implement and monitor the regulations. By establishing clear jurisdiction, SB268 aims to create a structured approach to managing the environmental impacts associated with biosolids application and PFAS contamination.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB1968

Biosolids; requiring disclosure of use of biosolids; requiring signage and publication. Effective date.

OK SB874

Biosolids; requiring disclosure of biosolid use. Effective date.

OK SB874

Biosolids; requiring disclosure of biosolid use. Effective date.

OK SB1969

Biosolids; allowing land application of biosolids under certain circumstances; requiring Department of Environmental Quality to sample for certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Effective date.

OK SB781

Apportionments; requiring certain monthly reporting. Emergency.

OK SB781

Apportionments; requiring certain monthly reporting. Emergency.

OK SB1812

Wastewater treatment facilities; requiring Department of Environmental Quality to conduct certain testing. Emergency.

OK SB34

Sales tax exemption; requiring exemption be operative upon certain date; terminating certain calculation. Emergency.

OK SB785

Turnpikes; requiring certain audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; prohibiting certain transfer of funds. Emergency.

OK SB785

Turnpikes; requiring certain audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; prohibiting certain transfer of funds. Emergency.

Similar Bills

MS SB2004

Environmental protection; prohibit contamination of clean soil with "forever chemicals."

MS SB2249

Environmental protection; prohibit contamination of clean soil with "forever chemicals."

OK HB1726

Biosolids; prohibiting land application, spreading, sale, and distribution of certain materials; reporting; remediation; funding policies; emergency.

IL HB5118

SLUDGE CONTROL ACT

MA H136

Prohibiting the use and sale of toxic sludge

PA SB624

In applications and permits, providing for food processing residuals.

CA AB292

Recycled water: raw water and groundwater augmentation.

PA HB2384

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in residual waste, providing for prohibition on road spreading and land application of oil and gas wastewater.