What Wastewater Utilities, Farmers, and Regulators Need to Know
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken another significant step in addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. On July 1, 2026, the EPA Office of Water released its Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids, opening a public comment period and inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on potential approaches for managing these persistent chemicals in sewage sludge and biosolids.
The draft guidance is designed to help wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), biosolids managers, landowners, farmers, state and Tribal agencies, and other stakeholders evaluate voluntary measures that may reduce exposure risks associated with two well-known PFAS compounds: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).
Why This Guidance Matters
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have become a major focus of environmental regulation due to their persistence, mobility, and potential health impacts. While wastewater treatment plants do not manufacture PFAS, they often receive PFAS-containing wastewater from industrial, commercial, and residential sources. As a result, PFAS can accumulate in biosolids produced during wastewater treatment.
The EPA’s draft guidance reflects growing concerns about how PFOA and PFOS may affect soil, water, crops, livestock, and human health when biosolids are beneficially used via land application. Although the guidance is voluntary and does not establish new regulatory requirements, it signals the agency’s continuing efforts to address PFAS risks and may help shape future policy decisions.
What’s Included in the Draft Guidance?
According to the EPA, the draft document provides recommendations that may help stakeholders identify and implement practices to reduce potential risks associated with PFOA and PFOS in biosolids management.
The guidance is intended for:
The document outlines voluntary approaches that stakeholders may consider when making decisions about the treatment, handling, and use of sewage sludge and biosolids.
Importantly, the EPA notes that public feedback on the draft may help inform future agency actions related to PFAS and biosolids management.
Public Comment Period Extended
Stakeholders have until October 5, 2026, to submit comments on the draft guidance. The comment period was extended from the agency’s original deadline, providing additional time for utilities, industry groups, agricultural organizations, regulators, and other interested parties to review the document and provide input.
Given the potential implications for wastewater utilities and biosolids programs nationwide, organizations may want to carefully evaluate the recommendations and consider how they could affect current and future management practices.
Key Resources
EPA has made the draft guidance and supporting materials available through its public docket:
Looking Ahead
While the guidance is not regulatory, it represents another milestone in the EPA’s broader PFAS strategy and underscores the agency’s continued focus on biosolids management. Wastewater utilities, municipalities, agricultural stakeholders, and environmental practitioners should monitor developments closely and consider participating in the public comment process.
As the EPA evaluates stakeholder feedback, the guidance could influence future approaches to PFAS risk management, biosolids programs, and wastewater sector compliance planning across the United States. To learn more about how this could impact your facility, contact the experts at SCS Engineers.
Comment deadline: October 5, 2026. Stakeholders interested in providing feedback can submit comments through the EPA public docket.
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