Mississippi Senate Bill SB2249

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Failed: 3/5/24

Caption

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

Impact

The bill significantly alters the regulatory landscape for wastewater management and agricultural practices in Mississippi. It prohibits the Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Commission from issuing new licenses for the application of septage, thereby limiting potential contamination sources. Additionally, existing licenses can be revoked if testing indicates PFAS levels that pose a threat to clean soils. This act emphasizes the importance of safeguarding public health and environmental quality, aligning state laws more closely with emerging scientific evidence regarding the hazards associated with these chemicals. The legislative changes will require new testing protocols and may impose costs on wastewater facility operators.

Summary

Senate Bill 2249, known as the Mississippi Act to Prohibit the Contamination of Clean Soils with So-Called Forever Chemicals, addresses the serious environmental and health risks posed by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals. This legislation mandates stringent testing and monitoring of wastewater discharges and prohibits the application of septage on land where such substances exceed acceptable levels. The bill aims to protect soil and water quality in Mississippi, reflecting growing public concern over chemical contaminants and their long-term impacts on health and the environment.

Contention

While the intent of SB 2249 is to mitigate environmental hazards, potential points of contention include the effects on local agricultural practices and the costs associated with implementing any new testing and compliance measures. Some stakeholders may argue that these regulations could burden farmers and agricultural business operations due to increased costs of compliance. Opponents of the bill may also express concerns about the potential impact on the wastewater industry, particularly if license revocation standards are perceived as overly stringent or impractical. Therefore, balancing environmental protective measures with economic feasibility will be a critical aspect as this bill moves forward.