The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently finalized the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) to establish nationwide monitoring for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in drinking water. This action marks a significant milestone in the PFAS Strategic Roadmap developed by the USEPA. The USEPA uses the UCMR to monitor for priority Read More
Tag: PFAS
Regulatory Recap and Looking Ahead
The year 2021 was a busy time for water and wastewater regulations. While many small actions were taken, the two main topics were the Lead and Copper (LCR) Rule and perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). These regulatory topics were complex and multifaceted. Lead and Copper Rule On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Read More
Comment Period Extended & Listening Session Scheduled for Draft PFAS Monitoring Plan
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the public input period for the draft PFAS monitoring plan until Friday, January 21, 2022. The updated deadline will allow interested parties to review the MPCA PFAS sampling guidance and the revised PFAS analytical guidance. MPCA has an online PFAS monitoring plan comment form to gather input. Read More
President Biden Signs Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
President Joe Biden signed the long-awaited Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (H.R. 3684) on November 15. The signing means $550 billion in new Federal funding for infrastructure projects over the next 5 years, including $55 billion specifically for water infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (BID) is not a stimulus bill like the recent Read More
MPCA Accepting Public Comments on Draft Impaired Waters List
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released its proposed impaired waters list for 2022, which includes 305 water bodies with 417 new impairments, bringing the total to 2,904 water bodies with 6,168 impairments. For the first time, the MPCA listed waters in Greater Minnesota with perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) contamination. Other notable waters on the 2022 list include the Root River in southeastern Read More
Comprehensive National Strategy Announced to Confront PFAS Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has announced a Strategic Roadmap to confront per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination nationwide. The Roadmap is centered on three guiding strategies: Increase investments in research. Leverage authorities to take action to restrict PFAS chemicals from being released into the environment. Accelerate the cleanup of PFAS contamination. The Strategic Read More