EPA Progressing on Path to Regulate PFAS
The EPA published an interim guidance document that evaluates destruction and disposal technologies for PFAS and PFAS-containing materials, with a public comment period open through February 22nd. The guidance offers you options, not requirements.
We expect the Biden administration to do more; many groups are already urging the President to set new rules on PFAS, including a January 29, 2021 bipartisan letter from Congress signed by 132 members, seeking more aggressive legislation to designate PFAS as hazardous substances and prevent their future release into the environment. In addition, EPA’s February 22nd press release shows that the EPA is continuing to take steps towards regulating PFAS, including proposing collection of new data and issuing final regulatory determinations for PFOA and PFOS.
The current disposal guidance reviews and ranks technologies with anticipated environmental impacts. It’s a great way to review the options available for your specific situation.
Finally, the guidance document lists the types of industries that have been known to generate PFAS waste streams such as chemicals, adhesives, cleaning products, metal plating, plastic and resin production, paints and coatings, fire suppression materials, personal care products, various surfactants and other uses. Nothing new here, but it’s a useful reference for you.
At Apex we’re watching new guidance and regulations that affect our clients and our projects. This guidance won’t affect ongoing work, but it is a useful tool for people just starting on new PFAS projects.
Apex Associated Press (Apex AP) represents contributions from various authors within the Apex professional community.
Disclaimer
Please note that all content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent the views, opinions, strategy, or methods of Apex Companies, LLC (Apex). Apex makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. Apex will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Apex will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. Apex reserves the right to edit or delete any comments submitted to this blog without notice to whoever wrote, submitted or posted the comment. Anyone who submits or posts any material to this blog waives any right or claim to privacy with respect to the content submitted or posted. By submitting or posting any content, the person or entity that does so is representing that they believe it to be accurate, have a legal right to the content, and have legal authority to submit or post it. Please do not submit or post anything if this is not the case. Please consider these requirements carefully when submitting or posting comments, photographs or other material relating to third parties who may have privacy, ownership or other rights implicated by the content. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal, scientific, and/or engineering consultation concerning specific environmental, engineering, or other concerns. If you would like to contact Apex for more information regarding professional consultation to address your specific concerns, click here.