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HB1285

Biosolids Management Permit Restrictions

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

In one sentence

This law stops the Department of Environmental Protection from issuing or renewing permits to apply Class B biosolids on land if a nearby government-owned facility can treat septage at higher levels.

Prohibits issuing or renewing permits for sites that dispose of septage as Class B biosolids under specific conditions.
Requires that no permitted wastewater treatment facility exists within 30 miles of the proposed site if it meets other criteria.
Mandates that any nearby facility must accept septage and provide higher levels of treatment than Class B standards.
Specifies that the nearby facility must be owned or operated by a federal, state, or local government entity.
Ensures the nearby facility is not defunct, used for other purposes, or out of capacity.

The law does not define what specific 'higher levels of treatment' means beyond the Class B standard.
It is unclear how often officials will check if a nearby facility remains in operation or within capacity.
The text does not explain penalties for facilities that already have permits when this rule takes effect.

Plain language

Biosolids: Treated sewage sludge that can be used for land application.
Septage: Liquid waste pumped from septic tanks, as defined in s. 381.0065(2).
Class B biosolids: A classification of treated sewage sludge used for land application.

Official record

Source attached

Biosolids Management

Official activity