SB 1818 creates new disclosure and notice requirements for the use of biosolids in Oklahoma. The bill defines “biosolid” broadly to include sludge and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and it applies to industrial, municipal, and commercial operations that use biosolids in product production, land application, or related activities. It requires clear labeling on certain products sold or distributed in the state, including compost, fertilizer, soil amendments, topsoil replacement, and mulch, when those products include biosolids in their production or composition.
The bill also requires disclosure to purchasers of agricultural crops or vegetative material grown on land where biosolids have been applied, and it mandates visible public signage on properties where biosolids are used. For property sales or leases, the bill requires disclosure that the property was used as a biosolids application site and restricts public access to the land for one year after application, consistent with federal biosolids rules. In addition, the Department of Environmental Quality must publish and annually update a public map of biosolid land application sites, including application dates and landowner/lessor information, and retain records permanently.
SB 1818 would also require the Department of Environmental Quality, in consultation with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, to notify agritourism businesses within four miles of a planned biosolid land application at least 60 days in advance. The act is set to become effective November 1, 2026, and would add these requirements to Oklahoma law through a new section in Title 27A.
The bill’s general sentiment appears precautionary and consumer-protective, emphasizing transparency, public notice, and land-use disclosure rather than banning biosolids outright. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from debate; however, the structure of the bill suggests it is aimed at addressing public concern over wastewater-derived materials and PFAS exposure.
Likely points of contention include the breadth of the disclosure requirements, the public posting of land application sites and ownership information, and the practical burden on businesses, landowners, and state agencies. Agritourism operators and nearby property owners may support the notice provisions, while biosolids users, wastewater treatment interests, and agricultural stakeholders may be concerned about stigma, compliance costs, and the impact of mandatory labeling and public mapping on commerce and land values.
SB 1818 would add a new biosolids disclosure framework to Oklahoma statutes, creating labeling, signage, sale/lease disclosure, public mapping, and advance notice obligations. It would affect businesses that produce or distribute soil amendments and related agricultural products, landowners and lessors of biosolids application sites, agritourism businesses, and the Department of Environmental Quality, which would gain new reporting and notice duties.
The bill’s overall tone is cautious and transparency-focused, reflecting concern about biosolids, sludge, and PFAS in agricultural and commercial settings. With no committee transcript or vote record provided, the available context does not show formal debate, but the bill appears designed to respond to public health and land-use concerns by increasing disclosure rather than restricting biosolids use outright.
The main likely points of contention are the scope of the definition of biosolids, especially the inclusion of PFAS, and the extent of required public disclosure. Opponents may object to mandatory product labeling, public signage, permanent records, and publication of land application sites and ownership information as burdensome or stigmatizing. Supporters are likely to emphasize consumer right-to-know, protection of nearby residents and agritourism businesses, and transparency around land application of wastewater-derived materials.