Alabama Rivers Alliance urges stricter regulations on PFAS in wastewater sludge

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) held a crucial meeting on May 1, 2025, to discuss proposed rulemaking changes regarding the management of biosolids and wastewater sludge, particularly focusing on the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The meeting featured a series of public comments highlighting significant concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of these substances.

The session began with a speaker referencing a recent incident in Maine, where elevated PFAS levels in deer led to a consumption ban. This alarming example underscored the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination, particularly as it relates to agricultural practices in Alabama.

Lawrence Reeves, a resident of Blountsville, shared his personal experience with health issues linked to environmental contamination. He recounted a disturbing incident involving a malfunctioning spray operation near the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River, which raised concerns about the safety of local water sources and the long-term implications of PFAS exposure for future generations.

Jack West, representing the Alabama Rivers Alliance, emphasized the need for stringent monitoring of PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland. He pointed out that conventional wastewater treatment plants do not effectively remove PFAS, leading to their accumulation in biosolids. West urged ADEM to adopt testing and monitoring requirements similar to those implemented in other states, such as Maine and Massachusetts, to protect public health and the environment.

Nelson Brook from Black Warrior Riverkeeper echoed these concerns, criticizing the current regulations for their inadequate testing requirements. He highlighted the potential dangers of allowing untreated waste sludges to be spread on agricultural land, warning that this could lead to irreversible soil contamination and jeopardize the safety of drinking water supplies.

Martha Hunter, also from Alabama Rivers Alliance, called for greater citizen participation in the regulatory process. She stressed the importance of hearing from those directly affected by sludge application, advocating for meetings to be held in impacted communities rather than solely in Montgomery. Hunter highlighted the need for transparency regarding the contents of waste being applied to farmland, urging ADEM to ensure that farmers are fully informed about the risks associated with these practices.

The meeting concluded with a clear call for ADEM to take decisive action in regulating PFAS and improving public health protections. Stakeholders emphasized the necessity of establishing comprehensive monitoring and testing protocols to prevent Alabama from becoming a dumping ground for hazardous waste. The discussions underscored a collective demand for accountability and proactive measures to safeguard the state's environmental and agricultural integrity.