EPA hosted a two-day National Leadership Summit May 22-23 to discuss per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). AMWA was among the invitees, which included representatives from over 40 states, tribes, and territories; 20 federal agencies; associations; industry groups; and non-governmental organizations. The first day consisted of talks and panels discussing a range of topics including identifying PFAS in your community, solutions for addressing PFAS, and communicating with the public on this complex topic. The second day was only open to federal partners and co-regulators and continued the conversation with more open dialogue regarding the topics discussed the previous day.
Administrator Pruitt opened the meeting as the keynote speaker and announced that the agency will be re-evaluating PFOA and PFOS, two PFAS chemicals which currently have a combined health advisory level of 70 ppt, in order to make a determination regarding the need for a maximum contaminant level (MCL). He also announced three other actions that EPA will take following the summit that were stated in the agency’s news release:
- EPA is beginning the necessary steps to propose designating PFOA and PFOS as “hazardous substances” through one of the available statutory mechanisms, including potentially CERCLA Section 102.
- EPA is currently developing groundwater cleanup recommendations for PFOA and PFOS at contaminated sites and will complete this task by fall of this year.
- EPA is taking action in close collaboration with our federal and state partners to develop toxicity values for GenX and PFBS by this summer.
After hearing from the presenters and audience, it appears that some state regulatory agencies are pushing for EPA to develop a regulatory framework or guidance, other than the current health advisory, in order to provide certainty and continuity rather than have each state develop its own, likely different, standards. It is unknown if EPA will go in this direction, but it seems probable that the agency will update the health advisories for PFOA and PFOS and will likely include GenX and PFBS.
EPA is providing an opportunity for the public to submit input on how EPA can best help states and communities deal with issues related to PFAS. EPA is looking for feedback on characterizing PFAS risks, the development of monitoring and treatment techniques, near-term actions needed to address PFAS, and effective risk communication strategies. EPA now plans to travel to communities impacted by PFAS in order to better understand the issues they are facing as a result. Using the information gained from the summit, public comments, and the community engagement EPA will develop a PFAS management plan that is expected later this year.