The last few weeks have delivered some interesting news in the PFAS world. The USEPA announced the agency’s priorities around PFAS research and regulation followed by a revision to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations that retains MCLs for PFOA and PFOS but eliminates the others along with the hazard index and extends the deadline for compliance.
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US Policy News
Administrator Zeldin Announces Major EPA Actions to Combat PFAS Contamination | US EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin outlined upcoming agency action to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). In this suite of actions, Administrator Zeldin announced a long list that included in part the designation of an agency lead for PFAS, the creation of effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) for certain PFAS to stop these forever chemicals from entering drinking water systems, and initiatives to engage with Congress and industry to establish a clear liability framework that ensures the polluter pays and passive receivers are protected. In line with Administrator Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative, EPA’s work in this space will advance Pillar 1: Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American, and Pillar 3: Permitting Reform, Cooperative Federalism, and Cross-Agency Partnership.
EPA Announces It Will Keep Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFOA, PFOS | US EPA
The drinking water rules were adopted as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to limit public exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), hazardous chemicals linked to a range of serious illnesses. The revised rule eliminates the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA along with the hazard index which also included PFBS. It also extends the deadline for compliance by public drinking water systems to 2031.
US News by State
National
IAFF-backed ‘PFAS Alternatives Act’ reintroduced in U.S. House – IAFF
A bipartisan group of lawmakers are reintroducing legislation to remove toxic PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from fire fighter protective gear. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced the PFAS Alternatives Act last week. The bill, which has been endorsed by the IAFF, aims to fund the research and development of new, PFAS-free turnout gear for fire fighters across the United States.
EPA reorganization plan signals shift in science, climate, and water programs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is advancing a broad internal restructuring under Administrator Lee Zeldin, raising questions about the future direction of key environmental programs, particularly those focused on water, climate change, and chemical safety.
Indiana
Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future publishes first look at ‘forever chemicals’ statewide
Purdue University’s Institute for a Sustainable Future (ISF) has released the first Indiana Statewide PFAS Assessment report summarizing the uses of exposures to and sources of contamination from PFAS across the state. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment.
Pennsylvania
Funding is part of Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to provide safe, reliable drinking water and reduce associated customer costs. Aqua Pennsylvania announced it was awarded a combination of grant and low-interest loan funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).
Florida
Navy addresses PFAS in private drinking water wells near Pensacola-area bases | Health News Florida
The Defense Department continues its investigation into PFAS contamination in off-base drinking water wells, conducting testing and providing mitigation. Due to new scientific data, the U.S. Navy is pursuing another round of sampling private drinking water wells in designated areas around Escambia County’s three military bases.
Michigan
Residents of a Michigan community whose drinking water was polluted with toxic chemicals from a long-shuttered paper mill continue to have high levels of the compounds in their bodies, even years after the community switched to alternate water supplies, according to a new study.
Why Michigan health officials say not to touch foam on water
According to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team Q&A on foam in Michigan, foam can form on any body of water. It may be white, off-white or brown; have an earthy or fishy scent; and pile up in bays, eddies, dams or other river barriers. Organic compounds from decomposing plants in the water rise to the surface, where wind and wave action push them to the shore.
Maryland
Maryland residents demand Perdue stop discharging PFAS that pollutes their water – The New Lede
Residents of a Maryland community afflicted with contamination from harmful chemicals are demanding that a local soybean processing plant immediately stop releasing toxic PFAS into their drinking and groundwater in violation of a federal law that governs the disposal of hazardous waste.
New Jersey
3M Resolves PFAS-Related Claims with the State of New Jersey
3M has reached an agreement that resolves all legacy claims related to the Chambers Works site in Salem County, New Jersey, currently owned by The Chemours Company and, before that, by DuPont. In addition, the settlement extends to PFAS-related claims that the State of New Jersey and its departments have, or may in the future have, against 3M.
North Carolina
State water quality regulators delay action on forever chemicals
State environmental officials in charge of coming up with rules to regulate North Carolina’s water supply are continuing to advocate for proposals that would allow industrial polluters to self-regulate the “forever chemicals” they discharge into local waterways.
Canada News
City of North Bay exploring options to remove forever chemicals from drinking water | CBC News
The northern Ontario city of North Bay says it is exploring options to upgrade its water treatment plant so it can treat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals, although there’s no funding currently in place to do that.
Global News
Leak: EU to target clean-up of ‘forever chemicals’ in water strategy
The European Commission is preparing to support a major clean-up initiative targeting water pollution by so-called “forever chemicals” harmful to human health, according to a leaked proposal seen by Euronews.
