Steuben County lawmakers unanimously approved a temporary halt on new sewage sludge spreading permits after years of complaints about PFAS contamination near farmland and private wells, according to Spectrum News.
The six-month moratorium blocks new permits for spreading biosolids on farmland but does not affect two existing operations tied to Casella Bonny Hill Organics and the city of Hornell. Residents living near affected areas said contaminated streams, ponds, and wells have already changed their lives and livelihoods.
County officials called the moratorium a first step while pushing New York state to adopt a broader ban. Supporters say local governments are stepping in because state leaders and regulators haven’t moved fast enough on the issue.
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