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EPA announces proposed decision to regulate PFOA and PFOS in drinking water
March 2, 2020 By National Ground Water Association
Washington, DC – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on February 20 that it is proposing regulatory determinations for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water.
The preliminary determinations mark a key milestone in the EPA’s efforts under the PFAS Action Plan to help communities address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the United States.
The EPA says aggressively addressing PFAS is an ongoing and high priority effort for the agency. The EPA’s PFAS Action Plan commits the agency to take important steps that will enhance how the agency researches, monitors, detects, and addresses PFAS.
The EPA is seeking public comment on its proposed regulatory determinations for eight contaminants listed on the fourth Contaminant Candidate List. The agency is proposing to regulate two contaminants, PFOS and PFOA. The EPA is also asking for information and data on other PFAS, as well as seeking comment on potential monitoring requirements and regulatory approaches the EPA is considering for PFAS. The agency is proposing to not regulate six contaminants: 1,1-dichloroethane, acetochlor, methyl bromide, metolachlor, nitrobenzene, and RDX.
The EPA will seek comment on these preliminary determinations for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.
Click here for additional information on the EPA’s efforts to address PFAS.
NGWA will continue to advocate for working solutions relating to PFAS during the 2020 NGWA Groundwater Fly-In and Water Resources Congressional Summit, which will be held March 3-4 in Washington, D.C.
As in recent years, NGWA is also hosting an educational event, Fate of PFAS: From Groundwater to Tap Water Conference, Aug. 5-6 in Durham, N.H.
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