Biosolids, PFAS and Oregon Agriculture

Known as “forever chemicals,” harmful PFAS chemicals can be found in the air, water, and soil of virtually every ecosystem on Earth. Distribution of PFAS varies widely – from high concentrations in states like Michigan and North Carolina to very low levels here in Oregon. Our state’s water utilities and water quality agencies are already studying the sources and level of PFAS in our local water systems. But there is still much to learn about how these chemicals move through our ecosystem. 

That’s why we’re urging lawmakers to pass the Biosolids Bill (HB 4049). This important bill will support OSU Extension in studying the levels of PFAS present in biosolids – a widely used, sustainable fertilizer – and to what extent these chemicals move into the environment when land-applied.

Biosolids

Healthy soil, healthy crops

Treated to meet strict EPA and DEQ standards, land-applied biosolids are stable, nutrient-rich organic materials applied as fertilizers. A 2021 study showed that biosolids help soil retain moisture, sequester carbon and facilitate the formation of good soil structure, often more effectively than commercial fertilizers. Biosolids are widely used in Oregon, benefiting producers and promoting healthy soil across the state.

PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”)

A growing concern

Growing scientific evidence shows that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) lead to a range of health problems. PFAS do not break down with current wastewater treatment technologies. And, they can be found virtually everywhere – including in biosolids. Even though levels are comparatively low in Oregon, it is imperative that we continue to study the effects these “forever chemicals.”

What Oregon can do about it today

Pass the Biosolids Bill (HB 4049)

Levels of PFAS in Oregon wastewater biosolids are currently very low. However, it is essential to understand the impacts of even very low levels of these “forever chemicals.” That’s why OEC is pushing for Oregon lawmakers to pass the Biosolids Bill (HB 4049), which will provide $740,000 to fund key research on how PFAS in fertilizer from wastewater biosolids move through Oregon’s agricultural soils, water, and select non-food crops. 

The study will be conducted through OSU Extension and the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences. Data collected will deliver needed information to Oregon leaders, municipal wastewater utilities, and producers, allowing them to make well-informed, strategic decisions on ways to protect the environment and public health.

Good management requires sound science, verifiable data and on-the-ground studies. This bill is an opportunity for our state to apply these standards to an area where they’re sorely needed.

Investing in Oregon’s future

Determining if and how PFAS moves into the environment from land-applied biosolids is a pressing question. Data gained through this study will help Oregon’s DEQ, the federal EPA, Oregon agricultural producers and wastewater utilities understand the impact of PFAS in Oregon. Currently, federal studies and policymakers are focused on areas with high PFAS concentrations like Maine and Michigan. But, they are not looking at Oregon. HB 4049 will enable the state to gather data in a scientifically rigorous manner so future policies on PFAS take Oregon into account. 

We are joined in our support of the Biosolids Bill (HB 4049) by a broad range of stakeholders including municipalities, wastewater treatment facilities, conservation groups, scientists, and Oregon farmers and ranchers.

OEC’s work to protect the health of Oregon’s water, communities, and agricultural lands is made possible by people across the state who care about safeguarding Oregon’s future. 

Make a difference. Become a member of OEC today. 

Related Posts

Filter by

Post type

Post Page

Category

Policy Featured Climate Protection Environmental Health Living Green Transportation Solutions Water News Air Quality Agriculture Water Conservation

Sort by

Title Relevance

OEC v. IRS Update: Oregon-Led Coalition Backs our Challenge to Trump’s Attacks on Wind and Solar

When we filed a federal lawsuit against the IRS in December, we knew we weren’t alone in the fight for clean, affordable energy. And now, states across the country voiced their support, with Oregon leading the way.  On February 20, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led a coalition of 16 state attorneys general in filing an

March 18, 2026, 2:58 pm

mcadmin

0

Senator Merkley Speaks Up for Chemical Safety — and Oregon Families

At an early March Senate hearing, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley asked the tough questions that get to the heart of serious concerns about proposed changes to the Toxic Substances Control Acts (TSCA). In recent discussions, Senator Merkley has emerged as a critical voice pushing back against industry-backed proposals t

March 5, 2026, 10:00 am

crystal2530

0

Oregon’s New Building Codes Are a Win for Home Energy Resilience

Last week marked an important step forward for healthy, affordable, resilient housing in Oregon. The Oregon Building Code Division’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) voted to approve much-needed updates to the state’s residential energy code. Thanks to the foundation laid by

February 25, 2026, 9:51 am

mcadmin

0

Trump’s Reckless Deregulation: What the Endangerment Finding Repeal Means for Oregon

On February 12, 2026, the Trump Administration irresponsibly and cynically sidelined federal climate protections. Standing alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at the Roosevelt Room podium, Trump formally repealed the endangerment finding – the scientific conclusion that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health. The endangerment finding is the legal basis for the Clean Air Act, and for the U.S. government t

February 24, 2026, 4:58 pm

ben230983240923480923

0

Oregon’s Transportation Crossroads: How to Protect What Works While Building for Tomorrow

The 2026 legislative session is underway, and transportation is front and center. Right now, legislators are making decisions that will shape how Oregonians get around for years to come – whether that’s driving on safe roads and bridges, riding transit to get to work or school, or walking and biking around neighborhoods.  OEC is a founder and steering committee member of

February 24, 2026, 2:47 pm

kristopherf

0

The Toll of Climate Change on Oregon’s Transportation Infrastructure

Oregon’s transportation system is at a crossroads. While the state recently passed emergency funding to address an immediate budget shortfall, the larger challenge remains: climate change is fundamentally altering how we must think about transportation infrastructure. At the same time, a potential referendum threatens to suspend the very funding needed to maintain safe roads and bridges. As Oregon looks toward long-term solutions, the stakes have never

December 17, 2025, 3:03 pm

kristopherf

0

What Governor Kotek’s Executive Order Rollout Means for Oregon

In the face of federal disinvestment and attacks on landmark climate protections, Governor Tina Kotek is ensuring that Oregon continues to build a healthier, more affordable, equitable, and resilient future.  Over the last two months, Governor Kotek has rolled out three new executive orders aimed at accelerating clean energy

November 28, 2025, 1:16 pm

ben230983240923480923

0

Joining Oregon’s Climate Advocates in Washington DC

This month, I joined a Climate Action Campaign advocacy trip to DC—my first time participating in this critical work since the coalition began organizing these efforts 13 years ago. This “big green” coalition has real influence, having helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, and brings together a

September 18, 2025, 2:30 pm

ben230983240923480923

0

Reshaping Oregon’s Groundwater Management: Q&A

Last session, OEC passed two bills—SB 1154 and HB 3525—that we’ve been working on with partners like Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies and Verde for nearly a decade! It’s a huge win for the future of water in Oregon. OEC’s Karen Lewotsky explains: Let’s start with SB 1154. Can you describe the bill, what it changes, and give a little background and history?

September 4, 2025, 2:05 pm

mcadmin

0

Deep Fixes for Oregon’s Groundwater (That Were Long Overdue)

The 2025 legislative session brought some major wins for Oregon water, most significantly: SB 1154 and HB

July 29, 2025, 6:12 pm

klew

0