Relating to a study concerning PFAS in biosolids applied to land; prescribing an effective date.

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--2023 Regular Session House Bill 3123 Sponsored by COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LAND USE, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND WATER (at the re- quest of Representative Ken Helm) 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. Requires Oregon State University Extension Service and College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study fate and transport of perflouroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields. Directs extension service and college to submit findings to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to agriculture not later than September 15, 2025. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die. A BILL FOR AN ACT Relating to a study concerning PFAS in biosolids applied to land; and prescribing an effective date. 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 perflouroalkyl 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 September 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 beginning July 1, 2023, out of the General Fund, $500,000 for distribution to Oregon State University to carry out the study under section 1 of this 2023 Act. SECTION 3. Section 1 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2026. SECTION 4. This 2023 Act takes effect on the 91st day after the date on which the 2023 regular session of the Eighty-second Legislative Assembly adjourns sine die. 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 1458