Bill Text: NJ AR152 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Encourages use of alternative disposal methods to restrict discharge of treatment wastewater containing high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances into surface waters.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-09-14 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee [AR152 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AR152-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman KATIE BRENNAN
District 32 (Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Encourages use of alternative disposal methods to restrict discharge of treatment wastewater containing high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances into surface waters.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution encouraging the use of alternative disposal methods to restrict the discharge of treatment wastewater containing high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances into New Jersey surface waters.
Whereas, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent, man-made chemicals that resist degradation and have been detected in drinking water sources throughout New Jersey; and
Whereas, PFAS exposure is correlated with adverse health effects, and the State has taken steps to establish some of the nation's most stringent drinking water standards for these compounds; and
Whereas, The treatment of PFAS-contaminated water generates concentrated residual waste streams that require careful management to avoid further environmental contamination; and
Whereas, Certain wastewater discharges are permitted under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) and may be released into rivers, streams, and other surface waters; and
Whereas, Even when in compliance with applicable permit limits, such discharges may contribute to the continued presence and accumulation of PFAS in surface waters that serve as drinking water sources; and
Whereas, Alternative disposal methods exist for certain non-hazardous PFAS-containing residuals, including transport to properly permitted facilities such as underground injection wells regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, which are designed to isolate waste deep below drinking water aquifers; and
Whereas, These permitted facilities operate under stringent federal and State regulatory oversight intended to protect underground sources of drinking water; and
Whereas, In its 2024 and 2026 guidance document, "Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Materials Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances," the United States Environmental Protection Agency identified underground injection control as among the more effective disposal technologies for certain PFAS-containing materials; and
Whereas, Reducing discharges of PFAS into surface waters and evaluating alternative disposal methods align with the State's commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding water resources, and minimizing long-term environmental risk; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The General Assembly expresses its position that the discharge of PFAS treatment wastewater into New Jersey surface waters should be limited to the greatest extent practicable.
2. The General Assembly supports the evaluation and use of alternative disposal methods for non-hazardous PFAS-containing residuals, including transport to properly permitted underground injection wells or other approved facilities.
3. The General Assembly encourages continued review of PFAS management practices to ensure the protection of public health and the State's water resources.
4. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Governor and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.
STATEMENT
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent, man-made chemicals that resist degradation and have been detected in drinking water sources throughout New Jersey. PFAS exposure is correlated with adverse health effects, and the State has taken steps to establish some of the nation's most stringent drinking water standards for these compounds. The treatment of PFAS-contaminated water generates concentrated residual waste streams that require careful management to avoid further environmental contamination.
Currently, certain wastewater discharges are permitted under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) and may be released into rivers, streams, and other surface waters. Even when in compliance with applicable permit limits, such discharges may contribute to the continued presence and accumulation of PFAS in surface waters that serve as drinking water sources.
Alternative disposal methods exist for certain non-hazardous PFAS-containing residuals, including transport to properly permitted facilities such as underground injection wells regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, which are designed to isolate waste deep below drinking water aquifers. These permitted facilities operate under stringent federal and State regulatory oversight intended to protect underground sources of drinking water. In its 2024 and 2026 guidance document on PFAS-containing material management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified underground injection control as among the more protective disposal technologies for certain PFAS-containing materials.
Reducing discharges of PFAS into surface waters and evaluating alternative disposal methods aligns with the State's commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding water resources, and minimizing long-term environmental risk.
