{"id":12869,"date":"2020-02-21T14:48:49","date_gmt":"2020-02-21T19:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paawwa.org\/?p=12869"},"modified":"2020-02-21T14:48:49","modified_gmt":"2020-02-21T19:48:49","slug":"epa-announces-proposed-decision-to-regulate-pfoa-and-pfos-in-drinking-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.linnflux.tech\/paawwa\/epa-announces-proposed-decision-to-regulate-pfoa-and-pfos-in-drinking-water\/","title":{"rendered":"EPA Announces Proposed Decision to Regulate PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water"},"content":{"rendered":"

EPA Announces Proposed Decision to Regulate PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water <\/strong><\/p>\n

On February 20, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took another important step in implementing the Agency\u2019s PFAS Action Plan by proposing regulatory determinations for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in drinking water. Today\u2019s preliminary determinations mark a key milestone in EPA\u2019s extensive efforts under the\u00a0PFAS Action Plan<\/a>\u00a0to help communities address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) nationwide.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe U.S. leads the world in providing access to safe drinking water for its citizens, thanks in part to EPA\u2019s implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act,\u201d said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler<\/strong>. \u201cUnder President Trump\u2019s leadership, EPA is following through on its commitment in the Action Plan to evaluate PFOA and PFOS under this Act.\u201d<\/p>\n

Aggressively addressing Per and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) is an ongoing and high priority effort for EPA. EPA\u2019s PFAS Action Plan commits the agency to take important steps that will enhance how the agency researches, monitors, detects and addresses PFAS. Over the past year, EPA has made significant progress under the Action Plan to help states and local communities address PFAS.<\/p>\n

Through today\u2019s action, 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. EPA is also asking for information and data on other PFAS substances, as well as seeking comment on potential\u00a0monitoring requirements and\u00a0regulatory approaches EPA is considering for PFAS chemicals. The Agency is proposing to not regulate six contaminants: 1,1-dichloroethane, acetochlor, methyl bromide, metolachlor, nitrobenzene, and RDX.<\/p>\n

EPA will seek comment on these preliminary determinations for 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register. For additional information on EPA\u2019s efforts to address PFAS, visit https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/newsreleases\/aggressively-addressing-pfas-epa<\/a>.\u00a0For additional information on this action, visit\u00a0www.epa.gov\/safewater<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Safe Drinking Water Act establishes a robust scientific and public participation process that guide EPA\u2019s development of regulations for unregulated contaminants that may present a risk to public health. Every five years, EPA must publish a list of contaminants, known as the Contaminant Candidate List or CCL,\u00a0that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and are not currently subject to EPA drinking water regulations. The EPA publishes draft CCLs for public comment and considers those comments prior to issuing final lists.<\/p>\n

After issuing the final CCL, the EPA determines whether or not to regulate no fewer than five contaminants on the CCL through a process known as a Regulatory Determination.\u00a0The EPA publishes preliminary regulatory determinations for public comment and considers those comments prior to making final regulatory determinations. If the EPA makes a positive regulatory determination for any contaminant, it will begin the process to establish a national primary drinking water regulation for that contaminant.<\/p>\n

Background on the PFAS Action Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used in consumer products and industrial processes. In use since the 1940s, PFAS are resistant to heat, oils, stains, grease, and water\u2014properties which contribute to their persistence in the environment.<\/p>\n

The Agency\u2019s PFAS Action Plan is the first multi-media, multi-program, national research, management, and risk communication plan to address a challenge like PFAS. The plan responds to the extensive public input the agency received during the PFAS National Leadership Summit, multiple community engagements and through the public docket. The PFAS Action Plan outlines the tools EPA is developing to assist states, tribes and communities in addressing PFAS.<\/p>\n

EPA is taking the following highlighted actions:<\/p>\n

Highlighted Action: Drinking Water<\/strong><\/p>\n