With the growing concerns of the potential impacts from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human health and the environment, the management and disposal of known PFAS wastes, including biosolids, has become a recent focus of state legislation. In April 2022 Maine became one of the first states in the country to completely ban the use of biosolids in land-application, sending all biosolids produced by Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPS), at least temporarily, to its operating landfills. Due to this shift, landfills faced increased odors, leachate production, and stability concerns.

This panel discussion includes details from commercial and municipal landfills that stepped up to address the biosolids disposal needs of the state of Maine.  The results of a waste bulking study will be shared to provide guidance to facilities on the management of these wastes that include 80% liquids. Attendees will learn about the challenges and potential solutions for biosolids management, the relationships that must be maintained between WWTPs and landfills, and have an opportunity to ask questions of the facility operators dealing with these materials every day.