Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy was joined today by members of the Albany County Legislature, New Scotland Town Supervisor Doug LaGrange, and environmental advocates to announce an executive order implementing a 90-day moratorium on the use of biosolid fertilizers in all agricultural practices in Albany County. The moratorium placed will protect the health of our environment, agriculture, and residents while the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continue to update their regulations on the practice given the growing body of science. During the announcement, County Executive McCoy also directed the Albany County Department of Health to study the issue to help determine future policy decisions. 

Biosolids are a nutrient-rich byproduct of the wastewater treatment process that is physically and chemically recovered to use as fertilizer. When processed and treated properly it is a beneficial soil amendment. However, there have been growing concerns regarding the use of biosolid fertilizers with farmers experiencing negative outcomes after using the material. 

The use of biosolid fertilizers risk exposure to pathogens, contaminants, heavy metals, microplastics, and PFAS or “forever chemicals.” The forever chemicals are a group of man-made chemicals that are extremely durable and cannot break down on their own. The presence of these chemicals in biosolid fertilizer result in contaminated agricultural products that are consumed by animals and humans, causing environmental concerns and serious health issues. This has occurred across the United States, from Maine, to Michigan to Steuben County, NY. 

Exposure to certain PFAS have been linked to cancer, inflammation, cell damage, low birth rates, birth defects, liver and immune system damage, and other serious health problems. Throughout the United States, farmers who have used biosolid fertilizer, or have been exposed to it through rain and drainage issues, have even experienced livestock death.

“Biosolid fertilizers pose significant risks that cannot be ignored. However, in many instances, the contents of these materials are not known to the farming community, especially when they are being shipped in from out of state. It is critical that we ensure that agricultural practices are safe, sustainable, and do not endanger public health and our natural resources. This temporary pause on the practice will ensure that we can make a more informed decision once up-to-date research has been made available while mitigating potential harm in the short term,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

Joining County Executive McCoy for the announcement were leaders from the Albany County Legislature, Town Supervisor and former dairy farmer Doug LaGrange, the Environmental Advocates of New York (EANY), the League of Conservation Voters, and the Sierra Club. 

“This moratorium gives us an opportunity to consult environmental and agriculture experts and our state and federal colleagues. Using biosolids can lead to environmental and public health issues and while there are agricultural benefits to using biosolids, it is important to fully understand the environmental implications,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne.

“It is our responsibility as community leaders to ensure that we do everything we can to keep our citizens safe in the moment and our environment strong for future generations. Since biosolid fertilizers can carry the risk of bacteria, contaminants, heavy metals, microplastics, and these ‘forever chemicals,’ - which can be dangerous even in as little as tens-to-hundreds of parts per billion - we can only move forward when we have as much expert research in hand as possible,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham.

“We commend County Executive McCoy and his office on this moratorium on biosolids fertilizer use and land application in Albany County. The more we know about PFAS chemicals and other contaminants in biosolids, the clearer it is that biosolids use in agriculture is bad for both farmers and consumers. We need to stop spreading contaminated sewage sludge on New York farmland, produce, and water, and this moratorium is the first step,” said EANY Director of Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Policy Claire Lynch.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is developing a risk assessment of biosolid land application to determine the dangers, and will explore all possible pathways of exposure, including leaching to groundwater, human consumption, crop uptake, wildlife impacts, and others. Until their findings are published the environmental and health impacts are unclear. This moratorium reflects Albany County’s commitment to keeping its residents safe and helping to ensure a healthier future.

Executive Order 25-01 Biosolids Moratorium

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Pics (left to right- Niamh Moore, Environmental Advocates of NY, Andrew Williams, New York League of Conservation Voters, New Scotland Town Supervisor Doug LaGrange, CE McCoy, County Comptroller Susan Rizzo, Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham, Caitlin Ferrante, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, Deputy Legislature Chair Wanda Willingham, Tricia Bulatao, Albany County Health Department and County Clerk Bruce Hidley).