The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing on October 25, 2021on the negative economic impacts of the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed revisions to the biosolids management permit. 

Specific primary concerns of testifiers included that a full analysis of costs and benefits be conducted and completed prior to any changes to the permits and adequate processing and disposal alternative are available. In addition, PMAA, as well as other testifiers, requested support of House Resolution 149 (Representative Rigby – Cambria and Somerset counties) providing a moratorium on the proposed revisions until the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reports its findings and conclusions.

PMAA extends thanks to our testifiers and to Representative Metcalfe (Butler county), Chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for conducting this important and timely public hearing.

Click here to view the hearing (select House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee – Morning Hearing October 25, 2021).

Testimony was given by the following:

William Toffey, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association (MABA)

Christine Volkay-Hilditch, Deputy Director of Utilities, Department of Public Works, Lancaster

John Uzupis, Technical Services Director, Synagro Central

Ned Lang, President, Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA)

Michael Kyle, Executive Director, Lancaster Area Sewer Authority (LASA)

Wayne Campbell, President, Pennsylvania State Grange