S5759C

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday to impose a five-year moratorium on the practice of spreading biosolids from wastewater treatment plants as fertilizer on farmland, citing growing scientific evidence that the practice contaminates groundwater and threatens crop health. Senate Print 5759C, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, passed on a 48-11 roll call vote. Harckham explained that while biosolids spreading was once considered an elegant waste management solution, research has shown the practice concentrates dangerous contaminants including PFAS, PFOA, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals in wells and water supplies. The bill represents a rare coalition between farmers and environmental advocates seeking time to research alternative biosolids management strategies and develop farmer testing and remediation assistance programs. Harckham noted that New York State's current waste management plan calls for increased biosolids spreading, making the moratorium necessary to prevent further contamination. Eleven senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Chan, Gallivan, Griffo, Mattera, Oberacker, Rhoads, C. Ryan, Stec, Walczyk, and Weik. The bill takes effect 60 days after becoming law.