IL plan could require data on PFAS in wastewater, biosolids

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill moving in Springfield could establish forever chemicals sampling and reporting requirements for water control permits, sludges and biosolids.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency told the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee Thursday that PFAS have become widespread in air, water, soil and consumer products.

Their proposal would require the state to only issue permits to water treatment facilities if they periodically sample for forever chemicals. It could also create new PFAS reporting requirements for biosolids.

"This is a way to put into state law the requirement that they at least provide the data," said EPA Water Pollution Control Permit Section Manager Darin LeCone. "Then depending on what the data shows, it's kind of a site specific solution that would then follow that."

Senate Bill 3917 passed out of the Environment and Conservation Committee on a 9-1 vote. The measure now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.