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HSR 2

COMMITTEE STUDIES: Requests the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development to study the land application of biosolids and other human waste-derived materials in agricultural lands in Louisiana

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Coates

Louisiana will study how land-applied biosolids are regulated, risks to soil and water, PFAS presence and testing, transparency to landowners, and potential regulatory changes.

Study request list distributed to members on 5/18/2026.
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Bill Summary · HSR 2

Summary of HSR 2 (Louisiana, 2026)

Purpose

  • A House Study Resolution requesting the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development to study the land application of biosolids and other human waste-derived materials in Louisiana agricultural lands.
  • The committee is to prepare and submit a written report to the House no later than February 1, 2027.

Key Provisions and Focus Areas

The resolution directs the committee to evaluate and report on the following topics:

  1. Current regulatory framework

    • Permitting and regulatory practices in Louisiana for land applying biosolids.

  2. Extent and proximity of use

    • How widely biosolids are applied to agricultural lands.
    • Proximity of land-applied biosolids to livestock operations.

  3. Contaminants and testing

    • Presence or absence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or other emerging contaminants in biosolids used in Louisiana.
    • Available testing methodologies (including EPA Method 1633A or other approved methods), costs, and feasibility.

  4. Exposure pathways

    • Potential exposure pathways for livestock, crops, soil, and groundwater resulting from land-applied biosolids.

  5. Comparative practices

    • Practices in other states regarding biosolids management and emerging contaminants.

  6. Transparency and disclosure

    • Options to improve transparency, such as disclosure or notification to landowners and agricultural producers.

  7. Policy and regulatory considerations

    • Potential need for statutory or regulatory changes to protect agricultural land and markets.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The study is to be conducted by the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development.
  • A written report detailing findings is due to the House of Representatives by February 1, 2027.
  • The committee may request data, technical assistance, and cooperation from state agencies, universities, or stakeholders as needed.
  • A copy of the study request is to be transmitted to:
    • Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ)
    • Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry
    • Director of the LSU AgCenter
    • House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development
    • House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment

Substantive Context

  • Biosolids are currently permitted for land application in Louisiana under LDEQ regulations and are used as fertilizer or soil amendments.
  • Existing federal regulations (40 CFR Part 503) address pathogens and certain pollutants but do not set regulatory limits for PFAS or other emerging contaminants.
  • There are expressed concerns from agricultural producers about long-term impacts on soil quality, livestock health, market access, and land value.
  • LDEQ has indicated a lack of federal PFAS standards for biosolids, suggesting more state-level study may be needed to determine appropriate regulatory approaches.

Who is Affected

  • Agricultural producers and livestock operators using or affected by land-applied biosolids.
  • Landowners and neighboring communities near land-applied biosolids sites.
  • State agencies (LDEQ, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU AgCenter) and related stakeholders involved in environmental and agricultural regulation and research.

Bottom Line

HSR 2 calls for a comprehensive, written assessment by the designated House committee on how biosolids and similar human waste-derived materials are managed when land-applied in Louisiana, with an emphasis on regulatory practices, exposure risks, contaminant presence (notably PFAS), testing methods and costs, transparency to landowners, and potential policy changes. The outcome will inform whether adjustments to laws or regulations are warranted to protect public health, agricultural integrity, and market interests.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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