Congress Passes Measure to Dramatically Restrict Major Source of PFAS Contamination in Drinking WaterOctober 05, 2018
The new provision was part of a larger legislative package to fund the Federal Aviation Administration and bolster disaster relief programs. Firefighting foams made with PFAS chemicals are a significant and widespread source of drinking water contamination throughout the country. Under current law, airports are required to use firefighting foams that contain these chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, kidney disease and other health problems. “Firefighting foam is a significant source of PFAS contamination in drinking water throughout the country,” said EWG Legislative Attorney Melanie Benesh. “This legislation is a critical first step to allow airports to switch to the less toxic alternatives, which are already being used safely and effectively in other countries. We applaud Congress, especially Senators Sullivan, Thune, Peters, and Nelson, and Representatives Upton, Shuster, DeFazio and Kildee, for taking this important action to protect public health.” The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is taking action to regulate this class of fluorinated chemicals known as “PFAS,” which have been detected in drinking water in some communities in Alaska. DEC is proposing new cleanup levels for six PFAS in soil and groundwater, and is working with stakeholders on a statewide action plan for dealing with these chemicals and contamination from them. Although the information on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is limited, a growing body of research indicates the compounds have various levels of toxicity to human health and the environment. Because of their chemical structure, PFAS chemicals can migrate to groundwater and do not break down easily. This means they can persist in the environment and the human body for years. “PFAS in drinking water are an evolving national public health concern; the information regarding safe exposure levels and how to respond is changing as we learn more about these chemicals,” stated Kristin Ryan, Director of the department’s Division of Spill Prevention and Response. “Alaska is working with partners across the state and the nation to stay abreast of the latest research on this group of chemicals and to work to protect public water supplies.” Alaska DEC is proposing new, more protective cleanup levels for six PFAS. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people do not drink water with concentrations of two of these chemicals, PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) plus PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), above 0.07 parts per billion. DEC’s proposed regulations for Alaska apply this level of 0.07 parts per billion to the sum of any or all of the following five PFAS:
In addition, the regulations would establish a separate cleanup level of 400 parts per billion for a sixth compound, PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid), which research shows is less toxic. Alaska DEC is proposing new cleanup levels for six PFAS in soil and groundwater in regulations issued for public comment on October 1, 2018. The six response sites are Eielson Air Force Base & Moose Creek, City of Fairbanks Regional Fire Training Center, Fairbanks International Airport, AD)T&PF Gustavus Airport Crash Fire & Rescue Station, & North Pole Groundwater. To review and comment on the proposed cleanup levels, visit the PFAS Regulations Project web page. The deadline for providing comments is 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 5, 2018. Recent research by EWG estimates that roughly 110 million Americans could have PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews Source of News:
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