DEC cites ‘source control’ as solution in sewage sludge fight as upstate faces water contamination problems

By Emily Kenny and Seth Voorhees | Spectrum News 1 | June 5, 2025

Read the full article by Emily Kenny and Seth Voorhees (Spectrum News 1)

"The use of sewage sludge on farmland is a rising concern for a growing number of New York towns and counties, so much so that several have intervened in recent months to stop the spread of it over contamination worries.

Despite an alarming EPA study and tests throughout the state showing PFAS in biosolids, state environmental leaders are standing by its approach to ban PFAS-infused products as the best way to mitigate the problem.

“I think first it’s important to sort of recognize what the challenge is here,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, who was confirmed to the position last month. “Fundamentally, biosolids in and of themselves are not the challenge, it’s, in fact, PFOA and PFOS and other emerging contaminants.”