08/14/2026
Comments regarding the proposed PAG-07 and PAG-08 General Permits are due by SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 and may be directed to:
Hon. Jessica Shirley
Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
16th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building
400 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Pennsylvania’s wastewater utilities are facing an important question:
How should we manage biosolids in a way that protects public health and the environment — while keeping wastewater services affordable and sustainable?
Proposed revisions to PA DEP’s PAG-07 and PAG-08 General Permits could significantly restrict the beneficial use of biosolids on farmland.
This issue not only effects central water and sanitary sewer users, but septic system users and industries throughout the Commonwealth.
Why beneficial use matters!
🌱 Improves soil health
Biosolids add organic matter that can improve water retention, reduce erosion, improve aeration and support beneficial soil biology.
🌾 Provides nutrients
Biosolids can provide nitrogen and other nutrients while reducing reliance on commercial fertilizers.
♻️ Keeps valuable material in use
Land application recycles treated organic material rather than sending it to landfills or incineration.
💰 Helps control costs
If beneficial-use options are significantly reduced, utilities may face substantially higher transportation and disposal costs — costs that ultimately can reach wastewater ratepayers.
PFAS deserves a science-based approach!!
PFAS is an important environmental concern, and continued monitoring is appropriate.
We are urging DEP to consider a two-year PFAS monitoring period before imposing additional restrictions. This would provide utilities and biosolids producers with valuable information while allowing time to identify potential industrial sources and develop appropriate source-reduction strategies.
We also asks DEP to consider whether significant new requirements should first proceed through the regulatory process, including appropriate cost-benefit analysis and legislative review, rather than being established primarily through permit conditions.
Our message!!
Protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and maintaining affordable wastewater service do not have to be competing goals.
We encourage a thoughtful, science-based approach that:
✔ Protects public health
✔ Protects water quality
✔ Supports responsible biosolids recycling
✔ Gives utilities practical management options
✔ Considers the financial impact on wastewater ratepayers
✔ Uses monitoring and data to guide future decisions
The wastewater industry has a responsibility to protect Pennsylvania’s waters — and we also have a responsibility to make sure the solutions we implement are effective, practical and sustainable.
Please consider making comment to DEP!
