SL Environmental Law Group

07/21/2026

While no one is certain microplastics will follow the same regulatory path as PFAS, there are parallel regulatory and public awareness issues between the two contaminants that water utilities should be aware of.

07/20/2026

As biosolids regulations continue to evolve, wastewater utilities are facing difficult questions about disposal, costs, and long-term planning.

This article explores how biosolids bans are reshaping the industry, the operational challenges utilities are navigating, and the strategies emerging to adapt in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape: https://hubs.la/Q04pw7R_0

These laws range from requirements for influent and effluent testing to outright bans on land application of biosolids due to concerns of PFAS…

07/15/2026

What can the evolution of PFAS regulation teach us about the future of microplastics?

As microplastics gain attention from regulators, researchers, and the public, the water sector has an opportunity to learn from the path PFAS has taken—from emerging concern to widespread monitoring and regulation.

This article explores the parallels, key differences, and what utilities can do now to prepare for what's ahead: https://hubs.ly/Q04pmhPT0

PFAS have reshaped drinking water policy regulations. Recently, microplastics are another emerging contaminant making headlines.

07/13/2026

New York is proposing what could become one of the nation's first regulations requiring landfill leachate treatment to prevent PFAS and other emerging contaminants from entering waterways. While intended to limit harmful environmental contamination, these requirements could also lead to increased costs for utilities and local governments that manage landfills and/or wastewater treatment plants.

Read more here: https://hubs.la/Q04n-S5G0

New York has proposed regulations that would make it the first state in the nation to require active landfills to treat certain contaminants in leachate, a move state officials say

07/09/2026

The U.S. EPA has released updated draft guidance on reducing risks from PFOA and PFOS in biosolids. The document provides voluntary recommendations for local governments, wastewater utilities, landowners, farmers, state and Tribal agencies, and the public to help minimize potential exposures, while acknowledging the benefits of the safe land application of biosolids. The guidance is now available for public review and comment here: https://hubs.la/Q04n_7dK0

Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids

06/16/2026

06/10/2026

Microplastics are receiving increasing attention from regulators, policymakers, and communities across the country. This recent Bloomberg Law article highlights how multiple states are urging the EPA to monitor and regulate microplastics in drinking water, citing concerns about their widespread presence and potential impacts on human health and the environment.

What concerns does your drinking water or wastewater system have related to microplastics? What approaches, policies, or technologies have you seen that show promise?

Microplastics are so toxic the EPA should monitor and regulate them in drinking water, a group of states said in letters to the agency last week.

05/13/2026

SL Environmental Law Group and the New York Association of Towns - NYAOT are teaming up to offer a free webinar for town leaders. This session will share how municipalities are receiving funding through litigation and settlements over PFAS contamination in wastewater, drinking water, and soil, as well as 1,4-dioxane in drinking water. Attendees will learn how to identify potential claims for their communities and how legal action against polluting manufacturers can provide significant funding for crucial projects such as capital improvements, infrastructure renewal and replacement, managing emerging contaminants, and more, without relying solely on rate or tax increases.

Register today at https://hubs.la/Q04gpntL0 to reserve your seat!

05/08/2026

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is working with infrastructure and engineering companies to test new technologies to reduce and/or destroy PFAS in wastewater effluent and biosolids. So far, 18 pilot tests of various materials and technologies have been conducted at wastewater treatment facilities throughout the state. The results of these pilot tests will inform the state’s future decision-making.

https://hubs.la/Q04fZFSF0

Massachusetts has begun testing a suite of new technologies aimed at reducing and destroying so-called "forever chemicals" in its wastewater, in what of...

05/01/2026

This week, Pennsylvania lawmakers took steps to ban the manufacture or sale of cosmetics, menstrual products, dental floss, and children’s items containing . If passed, this legislation would join a growing trend of PFAS regulatory development in many states nationwide.

Read more in the article here:

Toxic PFAS chemicals are found in hundreds of everyday products, including cosmetics, menstrual products, dental floss and items for babies.