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SB 386

Owners of sewage treatment works; land application, marketing, or distributing of sewage sludge.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Richard Stuart

Virginia bill requires sewage sludge PFAS testing before land application with civil penalties for violations to prevent toxic chemical contamination of soil and groundwater.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 854 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 386

Legislative bill overview

SB 386 establishes mandatory testing requirements for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—persistent "forever chemicals"—in sewage sludge before land application. The bill creates civil penalties for violations, placing regulatory oversight under Virginia's water and environmental management framework.

Why is this important

PFAS accumulation in sewage sludge poses documented risks to soil and groundwater when sludge is applied to agricultural or other lands. This bill directly addresses a gap in Virginia's environmental regulations by requiring detection and monitoring of these toxic substances, protecting public health and preventing contamination of food crops and drinking water sources.

Potential points of contention

  • Testing cost burden: Wastewater treatment facilities may face significant expenses for PFAS testing and analysis, potentially passed to municipalities and ratepayers
  • Implementation timeline: The bill's effectiveness depends on laboratory capacity and availability of reliable PFAS testing methods across Virginia
  • Penalty structure: Civil penalty amounts and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in this summary, creating uncertainty about compliance incentives and regulatory teeth
  • PFAS disposal standards: The bill requires testing but may lack specific disposal or remediation standards for PFAS-contaminated sludge, leaving the "what next" question unanswered

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

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