EPA recently issued its long-awaited rule designating perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Along with the rule, EPA issued PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA. This policy document provides the regulated community with some insight as to how
EPA Proposes Enforceable Drinking Water Standards For PFAS
By Emilee Mooney Scott on
Posted in Environmental Enforcement
Last week EPA released its proposal for the first set of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) under the Clean Water Act for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In contrast to non-enforceable health advisory levels introduced in 2016 and revised in 2022, MCLs constitute enforceable drinking water standards that will impact drinking water utilities and industry nationwide. …
EPA Establishes New Health Advisories for PFAS
Earlier this month, EPA set new lifetime health advisories for four per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – in some instances at levels lower than those that can be detected through laboratory testing. The new health advisories are listed below:
| PFAS | Health Advisory (in parts per trillion) |
| PFOA (perflurooctanoic acid) | 0.004 ppt |
| PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) |
Four PFAS May Be Designated RCRA Hazardous Wastes
By Jon Schaefer on
Posted in Environmental Compliance & Permitting
On October 26, 2021, the U.S. EPA announced it will initiate two rulemakings that will take significant steps to address PFAS contamination across the country. The first rulemaking will designate four of the so-called “forever chemicals” as hazardous wastes under RCRA. The four PFAS that will be the subject of this rulemaking are perfluorooctanoic acid…
EPA Releases PFAS Strategic Roadmap
By Jon Schaefer on
Posted in Environmental Compliance & Permitting
On October 18, 2021, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the PFAS Strategic Roadmap: EPA’s Commitments to Action 2021-2024 (Roadmap). The Roadmap is intended to be a comprehensive approach to confronting PFAS contamination nationwide. Among many other efforts, the Roadmap includes the following planned actions:
- Establishing a national primary drinking water regulation for PFOA and
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