U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, and Rep. Young Kim, R-California, this week introduced the bipartisan Research for Healthy Soils Act to look into the impact of microplastics and harmful PFAS chemicals on biosolids, according to a news release from Gluesenkamp Perez.
Biosolids are a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process that can be applied to agricultural land to improve soil quality. Applying biosolids to land saves money for farmers by reducing their need for foreign imports of fertilizers and keeps waste out of landfills. Biosolids can also serve as an important source of revenue for municipal wastewater utilities, lessening burdens on ratepayers, the release stated.
While research is limited, studies have shown that biosolids may contain microplastics and PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The bipartisan legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make grants available to study the incidences and impacts of microplastics and PFAS in biosolids on farmland.
“Our national health benefits from strong local food supply chains, and Southwest Washington farmers benefit from high-quality biosolids from public utilities,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “As microplastics and PFAS pose risks to our health and kids’ development, it’s important we build clarity about the full scope of their effects. Our bipartisan legislation will invest in research that will help us better mitigate these chemicals and understand potential impacts to the health of our families and soil.”
Full text of the legislation is available at https://shorturl.at/yosu5.
The lawmakers previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress, but it failed to pass into law.
