The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) finalized a rule that improves reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). USEPA eliminated an exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations. The so-called “forever chemicals” are used at low concentrations in Read More
Tag: PFAS
USGS Study Detects PFAS Contamination in 45% of Tap Water
A new U.S. Geological Survey study found at least 45% of the tap water in the United States is contaminated with one or more types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). The study reports samples from more than 700 public and private water systems for 32 PFAS compounds. The data is the result of Read More
USEPA Releases Results of Nationwide Monitoring for 30 Chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released the first set of data collected under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). The new data is the initial step towards improving USEPA’s understanding of the levels and frequency that 29 PFAS and lithium are found in the nation’s drinking water systems. The initial monitoring represents sampling from Read More
Study Identifies Urgent Need for PFAS Prevention and Affordable Cleanup Options
A recently published report serves as a wake-up call for the need for a comprehensive solution to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) report emphasizes the importance of prevention to safeguard the environment and public health. PFAS enters wastewater through various channels, including industrial processes, the use and disposal Read More
Chemical Companies Agree to Nearly $11.5B in PFAS Payments
Four major companies announced agreements related to a class-action lawsuit over the manufacture of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been found in drinking water across the country. DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to pay $1.185 billion dollars to public drinking water systems to test for and remove PFAS from their water supplies. The Read More
USEPA Proposes Chemical Review Process Reforms
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has proposed amendments to the regulations that govern its review of new chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Under TSCA, the USEPA reviews the potential risks of new chemicals before they enter U.S. commerce and, when necessary, establishing safeguards to protect human health and the environment. The Read More