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Michigan Biosolids PFAS-related information and links
In early 2018, EGLE’s Water Resources Division (WRD) developed the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) PFAS Initiative Study of 95 municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) to help identify and systematically reduce and eliminate sources of PFAS (PFOS/PFOA) entering wastewater collection systems. During this study, some WWTPs were found to have elevated PFAS in their effluent and associated residuals (sludge/biosolids). Through this study, WRD identified 6 WWTPs with industrially impacted biosolids. WRD temporarily restricted their land application program until elevated sources of the PFOS were eliminated and residual PFOS concentrations were decreased.
Expanding upon the information collected during the IPP PFAS Initiative, in the fall of 2018, WRD launched a study to evaluate the presence of PFAS in Municipal Wastewater and Associated Residuals. Through this study, 42 municipal WWTPs were sampled to evaluate the presence of PFAS in influent, effluent, and residuals. As part of this initiative, 29 land application sites (associated with 10 municipal WWTPs) were evaluated to further understand the potential impact land-applied biosolids has on the environment. AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (a consulting firm) was contracted by WRD to perform all the sampling in this study. All samples were analyzed for 24 PFAS compounds.
For a summary of the study and initial findings of the IPP PFAS Initiative, see the Summary Report: PFAS in Municipal Wastewater and Associated Residuals (Sludge/Biosolids). For the complete detailed report covering the IPP PFAS Initiative and the Statewide Study of 42 municipal WWTPs, see Evaluation of PFAS in Influent, Effluent, and Residuals of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Michigan.
For a summary of the land application site screening results, see Statewide Wastewater Treatment Plant and Biosolids PFAS Study: Field Reports Summary. See the below attachments for detailed field reports covering the screening results for individual land application sites. Persons with disabilities may request this material in an alternative format by contacting EGLE's ADA Accessibility Coordinator. Please visit Michigan.gov/ADA for a list of state Coordinators.
- Attachment A – Delhi Twp. WWTP Field Report
- Attachment B – Gaylord, Jackson, Midland, and SHVUA WWTPs Field Report
- Attachment C – Port Huron WWTP (Fort Gratiot) Field Report
- Attachment D – Bronson WWTP Field Report
- Attachment E – Ionia WWTP Field Report
- Attachment F – Wixom WWTP Field Report
- Attachment G – Lapeer WWTP Field Report
Field Report Addendums
- Delhi Twp. WWTP Field Report Addendum
- Bronson WWTP Field Report Addendum
- Wixom WWTP Field Report Addendum
- Lapeer WWTP Field Report Addendum
To request this material in an alternate format, contact EGLE-Accessibility@Michigan.gov or 800-662-9278.
Interim Strategy – Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS
EGLE is implementing the following interim strategy/requirements to guide WWTPs and landowners/farmers who make decisions on land applying biosolids with detectable concentrations of PFAS. The following documents describe this strategy and requirements:
- Interim Strategy - Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS (2022)
- Residuals Management Program (RMP) Notification Letter – All Permittees (2022)
- Interim Strategy – Land Application of Biosolids Containing PFAS (2021)
- WWTPs RMP Modification – Biosolids PFAS Interim Strategy – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- RMP Notification Letter - NPDES (2021)
- RMP Notification Letter – Groundwater (2021)
- Landowner/Farmer Notification Template Letter
- Biosolids and PFAS: Quick Facts for Landowners and Farmers
- Statewide Biosolids and PFAS Contacts Map
Additional Biosolids and PFAS information can be located at the following links.
- Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) Biosolids FAQs
- Biosolids and Sludge PFAS Sampling Guidance
- North East Biosolids & Residuals Association (NEBRA) and PFAS Info
- Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) Biosolids Fact Sheets
- EGLE's IPP website
- PFAS Response-Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Michigan IPP WWTP PFAS Status Map
- Municipal NPDES Permit Strategy for PFOS and PFOA
- Suggested PFAS Laboratory Analytes
- Wastewater PFAS Sampling Guidance
- Recommended PFAS Screening & Evaluation Procedure for IPP