Search Results for keywords:"PFAS"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comments on a proposed permit, the 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), which regulates stormwater discharges from certain industrial activities. The new permit, once finalized, will replace the existing permit set to expire on February 28, 2026, and will be valid for five years. The permit will cover specific types of industrial facilities in areas where the EPA has authority, with comments due by February 11, 2025. Notable changes in the new permit include updates to stormwater control measures, monitoring requirements, and the introduction of certain effluent limitations to address environmental concerns like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to improve the review process for new chemicals. These changes match the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act updates from 2016, aiming to make the process more efficient and clear. Significant adjustments include requiring more detailed information from those submitting new chemical notices, extending requirements for exceptions known as "low volume" and "low release and exposure" to certain chemicals, and ensuring all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) go through a full review. The modifications seek to enhance EPA's ability to assess and manage chemical risks to health and the environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) regulations to explicitly include certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the list of "toxic chemicals," as those are automatically added under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) starting January 1, following specific criteria. This clarification ensures that suppliers must notify their customers about products containing these PFAS at the beginning of each year. The action aims to align regulations with existing NDAA provisions without adding new requirements, merely clarifying when notifications must occur. Comments on this proposal are open until February 18, 2025.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is evaluating whether to regulate certain unregulated drinking water contaminants listed on the fifth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5). In this publication, it provides preliminary determinations not to regulate nine specific contaminants, as they do not appear to occur in public water systems at levels of public health concern. For five additional contaminants, the EPA is continuing its evaluation and hasn't reached a decision yet. The EPA is requesting public comments on its preliminary findings and analysis before finalizing its regulatory determinations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to update the list of chemicals required for toxic chemical release reporting under two acts: the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This update adds nine specific chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), based on a Congressional mandate from the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. These PFAS must be reported in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) starting with the 2025 reporting year. The rule is effective from February 5, 2025, and aims to improve public and governmental understanding of PFAS releases for better environmental management.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of the Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 14 under the Clean Water Act. This plan outlines updates on previous activities, reviews of wastewater discharges, and proposed treatment technologies. The plan also addresses new studies, such as those related to industrial discharges of nutrients and PFAS (a group of chemicals). EPA received public feedback on the preliminary plan and made some clarifications, although no significant changes were made. The plan is available online for public access.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released draft national recommended water quality criteria for public comment, focusing on three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). These criteria are designed to protect human health and are based on the latest scientific data, providing states and tribes with information for setting their own water quality standards. Comments on this draft can be submitted until February 24, 2025, and the EPA will use this feedback to finalize the criteria. Once finalized, these recommendations will offer guidance on minimizing health risks from PFAS exposure in drinking water and aquatic food sources.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed updates to the Clean Water Act methods for analyzing pollutants in effluent. This rule aims to improve data quality and consistency by introducing new methods for detecting specific substances like PFAS and PCB congeners, while withdrawing outdated testing parameters and methods. Additionally, the proposal includes simplifying certain sampling requirements and making minor corrections to existing tables of approved methods. Public comments on this proposal are invited until February 20, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed a petition requesting testing of 54 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) produced by Chemours Company in North Carolina. The petition, submitted by several health and environmental groups, also asked for a National Academy of Sciences panel to oversee the testing. After considering the information, EPA denied the request, stating that the petition didn't provide enough specific facts to warrant a new rule or order under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA highlighted ongoing actions and research addressing PFAS risks and noted that some existing projects may already cover the requested testing.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reopened the comment period for two proposed rules published on January 17, 2025, and January 21, 2025. These rules involve adding certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory and updating methods for analyzing contaminants under the Clean Water Act. The new deadline for submitting comments is March 24, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to review these proposed rules and share their feedback with the EPA.