PFAS and Biosolids

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Water Quality Control Division (division) is implementing additional requirements through Regulation 64 for the beneficial use of biosolids as an interim strategy.  As of January 1, 2023, the division is requiring “preparers” of biosolids to sample and analyze biosolids for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS) and report to the division.

PFAS is an emerging contaminant of concern, and the EPA is currently conducting a risk assessment, which could lead to developing criteria for PFAS in biosolids. While the EPA is conducting their assessment, the division is taking this step of requiring sampling and analyzing biosolids for PFAS to better understand the occurrence of PFAS in biosolids in Colorado, and to mitigate risk to public health and the environment from potential adverse effects of this emerging pollutant.

The division will continue to evaluate this PFAS Interim Strategy, and it may be modified in the future.