Municipalities are on the hot seat in the fight against PFAS contamination. They're responsible for ensuring the safety of the public, and they're often the first to be held accountable.
Traditional wastewater treatment doesn't remove PFAS from influent. In fact, it can convert PFAS precursors into PFAS chemicals.
Tribal leaders sometimes need to take the lead on PFAS testing to ensure the waters on their lands are protected.
Airports are a leading source of PFAS contamination thanks to years of using PFAS-containing AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam).
Reasons to test for PFAS
Sources of PFAS
Current EPA test Methods
Status of PFAS Regulations
While there are no enforceable regulations at the federal level, the EPA has issued recommendations for PFOA and PFOS. Not content to wait, many states have passed their own legislation and more are considering it.
Drinking water health advisories for PFOA and PFAS
Download the ITRC table for a current list of state legislation and regulatory limits.
The EPA has issued guidance for federal cleanup sites covered by federal programs such as CERCLA and RCRA. This guidance includes a screening limit of 40 ppt (parts per trillion) and a 70 ppt MCL (maximum contaminant level) for PFAS.
EPA Interim Guidance for Groundwater
Other federal programs related to PFAS
Download the ITRC table for a current list of state legislation and regulatory limits.
Traditional wastewater treatment doesn't remove PFAS. In fact, it can convert PFAS precursors into PFAS. As Wastewater Treatment can be a conduit for PFAS to enter groundwater, surface water, drinking water, and the food chain, many wastewater treatment operators are testing both influent and effluent.
The EPA is collaborating with the DoD to create and validate a method for identifying PFAS in solid matrices (e.g., soil, sediment, fish tissue, biosolids) as well as non-potable waters and other aqueous matrices. Single-laboratory validation of the method is targeted for winter 2020, with multi-laboratory validation likely to follow in 2021.
For state and local governments, the most common example of air emissions testing involves stack emissions from industry.
Sampling stack emissions requires specialized sampling equipment to be placed inside the stack by qualified personnel. The media is then tested using a modified version of Test Method 537M. Keep in mind that 537M refers to any modified version of Method 537. Not all labs that offer modified test methods are equipped to test air emissions.
Learn More About Our Stack Emissions Testing Program
Incineration has long-been a preferred method for disposing of industrial waste and chemical stockpiles. Unfortunately, new evidence suggests that "thermal destruction" isn't as effective as once thought. Soil, ash, groundwater, and air samples taken from incinerator sites and the surrounding areas have shown elevated levels of PFAS.
Here are four types of incinerators that may be contributing to a PFAS contamination problem:
PFAS is often seen as unregulated, but that's not entirely true. To fully assess your local PFAS testing and reporting requirements, you need to look at three sources of guidance, standards, and regulations: the EPA, Congress, and the states in which you do business. The link below provides links to state-level PFAS guidance and standard operating procedures.
Officials charged with protecting the public health should consider the types of industry in their area. Manufacturers of PFAS chemicals and those industries that use PFAS in production are the number one indicator of a potential PFAS problem. But remember, PFAS chemicals don't break down naturally. Even if the plant shut down years ago, there may still be PFAS in the surrounding soil and waterways.
Download the Infographic: Sources of PFAS Contamination
Download our webinar to stay up to date on PFAS Contamination and Testing in 2020.
Due to the potential presence of PFAS in common products and equipment used to collect samples, special care must be taken to avoid sample contamination.
Download the PFAS Sampling Guide
Let Pace professionals take care of all your sampling requirements including equipment, staff, and paperwork.
Pace Analytical® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades, and we were one of the first commercial laboratories to analyze for PFAS compounds.
Pace maintains certifications and accreditations in every state that offers or requires them. We're also certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The Pace Rapid Response Team can quickly respond to any emergency. Our team will coordinate sample container delivery, assist with technical information needed onsite, and ensure samples are delivered as quickly as possible to the appropriate Pace laboratory. In many cases, we can provide PFAS results in as little as 24 hours.
Our mobile lab is the only certified mobile lab in the industry capable of analyzing PFAS in the single-digit, parts-per-trillion range. This lab can identify PFAS plumes and source areas and provide fully defensible data, often with same-day results and at a lower cost than expedited services at other labs.
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The Environmental Protection Agency
Congress
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