Corporations, Communities, Airports, Waterways, the Military and Even Alligators are Making PFAS News this Month
There’s no getting around it. Communities’ concerns are rising, awareness is growing and government action is intensifying on issues involving contamination and pollution of PFAS and other emerging contaminants. With each PFAS Update we offer, there are more stories to choose, from a wider geography than the last. Our intention is to give you a sample so you know the high chances of these issues affecting you soon, if they haven’t already.
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PFAS NEWS
Alabama
Lawsuit Being Settled Between 3M and Alabama Water Authority
Update on last month’s article: The West Morgan East Lawrence Water and Sewer Authority and 3M are in the final stages of settlement in a lawsuit over who will pay for a new multi-million-dollar filtration system to remove industrial contaminants (PFAS) from the drinking water of thousands of people in north Alabama.
Florida
Firefighting Chemicals a Health Risk at Many Florida Sites. Just Four Have Been Tested
Of Florida’s 45 certified firefighting training facilities, 27 are known or suspected to have used PFAS. But so far only four sites have been tested by the state Department of Environmental Protection for environmental contamination.
Georgia
PFAS Firefighting Foam Legislation Proposed in Georgia
Legislation before the Georgia General Assembly proposes to amend the Georgia Fire Code to prohibit use of firefighting foam with PFAS compounds for testing purposes. The proposed bill addresses Class B firefighting foams, formulated for fires involving flammable liquids such as those likely to be encountered at industrial fires, airport emergencies, tanker truck and railcar accidents.
Maine
State says sludge must be tested for ‘forever chemicals’ before it’s used as fertilizer
A state environmental regulators recently announced that all sludge will have to be tested for the presence of PFAS before being used as fertilizer or applied to land. An Arundel dairy farmer has blamed PFAS contamination on his farm on the treated municipal sludge he used to fertilize his hay fields for years.
Massachusetts
State Pursues Water Quality Solutions
Two Cape Cod communities may be ahead of the curve preparing for changes being proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. DEP is reviewing guidelines for PFAS currently at 70 parts per trillion but proposed to be reduced to 20 parts per trillion, based on studies and assessments of the chemicals.
Michigan
PFAS-related Suits Gain Steam as Litigants Hit Wolverine Worldwide
Some of the nation’s high-profile environmental law firms, along with Michigan-based ones, are waging legal battles related to PFAS contamination in the state after decades of waste dumping by a popular shoe manufacturer that has seeped into private wells.
Assistant Air Force Secretary to Visit Oscoda Amid PFAS Problem Near Base
PFAS-related contamination surrounding the decommissioned Wurtsmith Air Force Base on the east side of Michigan has garnered the attention of state leaders and now, an assistant secretary of the Air Force has scheduled an upcoming site visit.
New Hampshire
Senator Looks to Stop Spread of PFAS Pollutants
As Seacoast activists continue to push for a comprehensive strategy to limit the spread of PFAS, State Senator Tom Sherman said fill dirt brought in for new housing subdivisions and water sources landscaping companies are drawing from, remain untested for PFAS pollution.
New Jersey
New Jersey Moves to Enact Tougher Drinking Water Standards for PFAS
New Jersey recently unveiled a proposal for a drinking water standard for two PFAS chemicals, moving to establish limits that would be among the most stringent in the country and could force at least 40 public systems to clean up their water.
New York
Homeowners Near Westchester County Airport Fear Groundwater Contamination
Homeowners living near the Westchester County Airport are worried the groundwater is contaminated with toxic chemicals. County officials insist the contaminated wells – 26 at last count – don’t produce drinking water, so the public is not in any danger.
North Carolina
Legislators Advance PFAS, Environmental Bills
The push is on for environmental policy bills, including a tightening of emerging contaminant regulation. The bill, which would ban the use of the substances in training facilities, also has the support of the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association of North Carolina.
Researchers Find Toxic Chemicals in North Carolina Wildlife
Researchers at North Carolina State University say they found high PFAS levels in alligators and striped bass in the Wilmington area and the contamination is likely harming local wildlife.
Pennsylvania
DEP Announces PFAS Sampling Plan
As a part of the Wolf Administration’s efforts to address PFAS, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced a statewide sampling plan to identify impacted drinking water supplies.
US and Canada
With EPA Announcement, Canada and US Governments Move to Address PFAS Pollution Under GLWQA
The US EPA is developing a national action plan to address PFAS pollution, following in the footsteps of Canada, which is undertaking its own efforts. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Canada and the US agreed to develop a list of Chemicals of Mutual Concern and create plans to deal with them.
Shaheen Bill to Address Military Exposure to PFAS
US Sen. Jean Shaheen introduced the bipartisan PFAS Registry Act with US Sen. Mike Rounds. The bill would allow military personnel and veterans to receive updates on recent developments on the effects of PFAS exposure, possible treatment options and available information to address their health concerns.
