On 10 March 2026, the Virginia Senate passed SB386, enacting biosolids management standards related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the state. Originally introduced as a ban on the land application of biosolids with any detectable PFAS, the bill now follows the type of tiered approach first established by Michigan (the “Michigan Model”) in 2021.
Beginning in January 2027, biosolids tested quarterly must have a 12-month rolling average concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid or perfluorooctanoic acid below 25 parts per billion to be land-applied or distributed without restrictions. Biosolids below 50 parts per billion may be land-applied at reduced rates. Application is prohibited for biosolids with an average above 50 parts per billion, or after two consecutive ≥ 75 parts per billion tests.
Virginia is far from alone in this development. When SB386 was introduced on 13 January 2026, three other states had active biosolids bills, and eight other state legislatures have since introduced bills, taking a range of approaches to PFAS in biosolids. Collectively, these legislative developments signal a continued shift in the municipal biosolid disposal landscape.
