Relating to a study of PFAS in biosolids applied to land; declaring an emergency.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 82nd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2024 Regular Session House Bill 4049 Sponsored by Representative HELM, Senator SOLLMAN, Representative OWENS (Presession filed.) SUMMARY The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the measure as introduced. The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: This Act directs OSU to study the fate of PFAS in biosolids that are spread on farm fields. The Act directs OSU to submit a report by Dec. 15, 2025. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.7). Directs the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study the fate and transport of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields. Directs the extension service and college to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to agricul- ture not later than December 15, 2025. Declares an emergency, effective on passage. A BILL FOR AN ACT Relating to a study of PFAS in biosolids applied to land; and declaring an emergency. Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon: SECTION 1. (1) The Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agri- cultural Sciences of Oregon State University shall conduct a study of the fate and transport of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids that are applied to agricultural fields across this state. In conducting the study under this section, the ex- tension service and the college shall collaborate with the Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon wastewater service providers to: (a) Identify PFAS concentrations in biosolids produced by selected wastewater treatment facilities in this state; (b) Compare the PFAS concentrations identified under paragraph (a) of this subsection to PFAS concentrations in the selected agricultural fields where biosolids have been applied as a soil amendment; (c) Examine the potential for PFAS to leach into ground water; and (d) Examine PFAS uptake in representative crops from various ecosystems in this state. (2) The extension service and college shall submit a report in the manner provided by ORS 192.245 to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to agriculture no later than December 15, 2025. SECTION 2. In addition to and not in lieu of any other appropriation, there is appropri- ated to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, for the biennium ending June 30, 2025, out of the General Fund, $500,000 for distribution to Oregon State University to carry out the study under section 1 of this 2024 Act. SECTION 3. Section 1 of this 2024 Act is repealed on January 2, 2026. SECTION 4. This 2024 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2024 Act takes effect on its passage. NOTE: Matter in boldfaced type in an amended section is new; matter [ italic and bracketed] is existing law to be omitted. New sections are in boldfaced type. LC 44 HB 4049 1 [2]