The year began with the addition of nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) collects the data annually from facilities in designated industry sectors and Federal facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use TRI-listed chemicals above set quantities. Read More
Author: Heather Syverson
Insight into Draft Risk Assessment About PFAS in Biosolids
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released a draft risk assessment in January of the potential human health risks associated with the presence of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in biosolids. Specifically, the scientific evaluation of PFAS in sewage sludge (biosolids) assessed the risk of two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Read More
New Health-Based Recommendations for PFAS in Bodies of Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced draft national recommendations for health-based levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waterbodies. Once final, these recommended criteria can be used by States and authorized Tribes to establish water quality standards that help protect people from exposure through consuming water, fish and shellfish from waterbodies that may be polluted by Read More
AWWA Files Petition for Review of LCRI
One of the largest water industry organizations in the United States filed a petition for review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). The American Water Works Association (AWWA) filed on December 13th in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. AWWA made the Read More
Water Resources Development Act Goes to White House for President’s Signature
The President’s signature is the next step for a crucial piece of legislation that authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 authorizes, deauthorizes, and modifies various water resources feasibility studies and projects. The U.S. Senate sent the water infrastructure bill to President Joe Biden’s desk on December Read More
New Initiative to Tackle PFAS & Identify Emerging Contaminants in Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) launched a new, no-cost technical assistance effort in November that is focused on reducing exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants. This initiative is part of the Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) program and is focused on small or disadvantaged communities. The Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative will Read More