Texas Bill to Control PFAS in Farm Products in Johnson County

House Bill 290 is a new Texas law designed to protect Johnson County from harmful chemicals called PFAS. PFAS are found in some fertilizers and soil products used by farmers and landscapers. These chemicals can stay in the environment for a long time and harm water supplies and soil health.

The bill sets specific safety limits for 17 different types of PFAS chemicals. For example, perfluorooctanoic acid cannot exceed 900 parts per trillion in farm products. Perfluorohexane sulfonate has a much stricter limit of just 300 parts per trillion. These limits protect the quality of our soil and water resources.

Manufacturers that make or sell these products in Johnson County must test every batch monthly. The testing is done by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, which is independent and reliable. If a batch exceeds the safety limits, the company must dispose of it properly through a hazardous waste facility or by incineration. This prevents harmful chemicals from reaching our farms and neighborhoods.

The bill applies to Johnson County because it has a population between 175,000 and 195,000 people. The law also creates penalties for companies that break these rules, making sure everyone follows the safety standards. Our farmers and families benefit from cleaner soil and safer agricultural practices.

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