The Washington state Department of Ecology will accept public comments through Oct. 11 on an environmental review of its draft for an updated general biosolids permit.
If adopted, the permit will provide oversight of how biosolids are stored, managed and used in the state, the Department of Ecology said in a news release.
Biosolids are the byproduct of wastewater treatment plants and can be used as soil amendments, compost and fertilizer.
“A 2022 update to the general permit was voided after Washington’s Pollution Control Hearings Board found inadequate review of potential impacts from certain chemicals that may be found in biosolids. Ecology’s new environmental review includes more documentation of current research and analysis on these contaminants,” the Department of Ecology said in a news release.
The chemicals of concern include per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, which are chemicals used in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing and water-resistant carpets and furniture. Also of concern are microplastics and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, which are added as flame retardants in furniture and electronics.
“Although these chemicals are linked to human health concerns, they are typically found at low levels in biosolids. Ecology’s review of the permit requirements, conducted under Washington’s Statewide Environmental Policy Act, determined that the general permit would not produce significant adverse environmental impacts,” the Department of Ecology said in a news release. The agency is currently seeking public input on that finding, known as a “determination of nonsignificance,” beginning 8 a.m. Sept. 27 and ending 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11.
“Ecology will consider comments received on the environmental review as it decides whether to reissue the biosolids general permit later this year,” according to a news release.
The public can review documents on the Department of Ecology’s biosolids webpage at https://tinyurl.com/49bdkphj.
Public comment can be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/3uppuywd or by mail to Torrie Shaul; Washington Department of Ecology; 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA 98504-7600; Attn: Statewide Biosolids Permit.
Questions can be directed to Emily Kijowski at 360-789-6592 or emily.kijowski@ecy.wa.gov.
