Read the full article by Matt Churella (Altoona Mirror)
“CRESSON — The Republican state House of Representatives’ policy committee held a public hearing Thursday at Mount Aloysius College to examine biosolids management and its impact on businesses and ratepayers.
The state Department of Environmental Protection proposed two permit updates earlier this year to prevent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — PFAS or ‘forever’ chemicals — in biosolids from polluting farm fields and groundwater. The updated permits would introduce monitoring requirements for wastewater treatment facilities that produce biosolids for land application, according to DEP’s website.
While protecting public health and the environment is essential, requirements must be grounded in science with practical and affordable ways to comply, said committee Chairman David Rowe, whose legislative district includes parts of Snyder, Juniata, Mifflin and Union counties.
State Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Cambria/Somerset, hosted the hearing and noted families and businesses across Pennsylvania are facing rising costs, and wastewater treatment is becoming another ‘significant’ financial burden.”