Steven Fellows

Environmental Concerns First, it is important to recognize that PFAS cannot be removed from soil with any currently available technology. Once these chemicals enter the soil, they remain for thousands of years, continuing to move through ecosystems long after the initial application of biosolids. Plants grown in contaminated soil readily take up PFAS into their roots, stems, leaves, and fruit, transferring these chemicals directly into the food supply. Wildlife is similarly affected. Animals living on or near land where biosolids have been applied become exposed and accumulate PFAS in their bodies, contributing to contamination throughout the food web. We have already seen the consequences. Across the country, land application of biosolids has contaminated vegetable farms, dairy operations, and livestock, leading to PFAS-tainted food products, polluted groundwater and surface water, and in some cases the complete loss of family farms. In New England and beyond, farms have been forced to shut down because their land, water, and products became unsafe. This is not limited to agricultural settings. Residential wells near biosolids application sites have been contaminated, leaving homeowners with unsafe drinking water and costly remediation needs. Surface waters near application sites have also shown elevated PFAS levels, affecting ecosystems and downstream users. Human Health Concerns The human health risks are equally clear. The EPA has stated that there is no safe level of PFAS in drinking water—the safe level is effectively zero. These chemicals accumulate in the human body and remain there for years. The health effects of PFAS exposure are well established and include: Reduced immune response, including decreased antibody production in both adults and children Increased cholesterol levels Hormonal and endocrine disruption Liver damage Increased risk of certain cancers Pregnancy complications and developmental effects in infants and children Given these risks, continuing to spread PFAS-contaminated biosolids on land—where they inevitably enter soil, water, crops, livestock, wildlife, and ultimately people—is simply not responsible public policy. Conclusion HB 1275 is a necessary and prudent step to protect New Hampshire’s farms, families, drinking water, and long-term environmental health. PFAS contamination is irreversible on human timescales. Once these chemicals are in our soil and water, we cannot take them back. I urge the committee to support HB 1275 and help ensure that New Hampshire does not repeat the costly and devastating mistakes seen in other states. Thank you for your time and consideration.