New state bill will bring stronger PFAS monitoring measures

PATEROS – City Administrator Jord Wilson delivered an advisory to the April 21 city council meeting regarding PFAS, termed the ‘forever chemical’ and pending legislation that will require more testing of water and biosolids on the local level.

“It’s the asbestos of our age,” Wilson said.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, received national attention about 10 years ago when the state Department of Ecology (DOE) began testing groundwater in the Airway Heights area near Fairchild Air Force Base. DOE found that PFAS levels in drinking water were above safe limits. The contamination was traced back to Fairchild. Airway Heights was ultimately forced to switch to alternative water sources.

“They lost their six wells at Airway Heights,” said Wilson. “It became a national issue, went up to EPA, regulated down to us.”

Wilson said the Pateros water system has been tested and is PFAS free.

“We got a grant to do a voluntary test, and it is going to be a regular requirement for our wells,” Wilson said.

Biosolids (municipal waste sludge) that are being applied to agriculture lands on the Waterville Plateau are closely monitored for any PFAS traces

Last Nov. 18, the city renewed its contract with King County and Boulder Park Inc. (BPI). BPI is a farmer-owned company headquartered in Mansfield and “specializes in spreading municipal biosolids as fertilizer on certain permitted sites in Douglas County,” according to a clause in the approved resolution. 

Wilson and city wastewater treatment operator David Hunter met with BPI last month to discuss the latest developments as they relate to the city’s continued participation.

Brewster and Bridgeport also participate in the biosolids program. Bridgeport Public Works Superintendent Matt West said the city has no PFAS issues with its water and regularly tests for PFAS in the biosolids it forwards to BPI.

Brewster Director of Public Works Lee Webster had much the same response regarding the city’s biosolids disposal.

Wilson and city wastewater treatment operator David Hunter met with BPI last month to discuss the latest developments as they relate to the city’s continued participation.

In 2020, the EPA began requiring military sites like Fairchild to perform testing and disclose PFAS levels. While this action led to greater transparency and accountability, many affected communities are still fighting for action and financial reparations.

The state legislature passed Senate Bill 5033 relating to sampling or testing of biosolids for PFAS 2 chemicals effective Jan. 1, 2027, and forwarded it to Gov. Bob Ferguson on April 23 for his signature. At this writing, the bill awaits the governor’s action. 

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media