Tag: Forever Chemicals

FLOW Applauds EPA for First-Ever, National Enforceable Drinking Water Standards for PFAs

Published on April 11th, 2024 by - Blog Posts, Reports & Media Releases

On April 10, the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA issued the first-ever nationally enforceable drinking water standards to protect communities from cancer-causing toxic PFAS pollutants, also known as “forever chemicals.” FLOW applauds this important federal coordinated action designed to tackle PFA contamination, prioritize public health, and advance environmental justice in communities nationwide.

Michigan has much at stake in protecting the public from PFAs compounds. These ubiquitous chemicals have been found in hundreds of locations around the state, including drinking water supplies. In 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer directed the state to promulgate strong protective standards for PFAs in drinking water, but they were challenged and have been held up in court by industries.

“Ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water is a national priority. We commend EPA’s effort to establish new standards for PFAs in Drinking Water as a first step in protecting people from PFA contamination. This work is only the beginning as there are more than 10,000 compounds in this chemical class. Establishing federal standards is more important than ever before because even in leading states like Michigan with established PFAs drinking water standards, corporate interests have challenged and successfully delayed these important protections,” said Liz Kirkwood, executive director of For Love of Water (FLOW).

To ensure the successful implementation of this new drinking water rule, the Biden-Harris Administration announced unprecedented funding, with an additional $1 billion of available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support states and territories to test for PFAs in public water systems and private wells.

EPA Move Has Big Implications for Michigan’s PFAS “Forever Chemical” Toxic Sites

Published on August 31st, 2022 by - Blog Posts

The proposal last week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to list two “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law could help spur cleanup actions in Michigan.

The two chemicals, known as PFOS and PFOA, were two of the most widely used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and were used in firefighting foams, nonstick kitchenware, and water repellent gear, among other things, before being phased out. The chemicals break down very slowly, if ever, in the environment, are found in the blood of nearly all Americans, and have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and other human health impacts. Promisingly, scientists at Northwestern University recently discovered a new method for breaking down PFAS compounds that could prove to be a breakthrough for cleanups.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) so far has identified 228 PFAS contamination sites. In 2018, EGLE predicted more than 11,300 PFAS sites in Michigan might exist, but had not been investigated yet, including at fire stations, municipal airports, military sites, refineries and bulk petroleum stations, and wastewater treatment plants.

“If the proposed rule takes effect, the hazardous substance designation will create a mechanism for the EPA to hold polluters financially accountable, and it will also allow communities, local governments, and small businesses to sue polluters to recover costs,” said Anthony Spaniola, an activist fighting for cleanup of PFAS contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force base near Oscoda. 

“If the proposed rule takes effect, the hazardous substance designation will create a mechanism for the EPA to hold polluters financially accountable, and it will also allow communities, local governments, and small businesses to sue polluters to recover costs,” said Anthony Spaniola, an activist fighting for cleanup of PFAS contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force base near Oscoda. 

Spaniola added, “As the proposed rule makes its way through the process, EPA will also be accepting public comment regarding other members of the PFAS chemical class that should also be designated as hazardous substances. In the best of all worlds, this could open the door for regulation of PFAS chemicals as a class—which is what should be done.” 

Michael S. Regan,
EPA Administrator

“This is a significant political and policy statement from the Biden administration,” he said.

“Communities have suffered far too long from exposure to these forever chemicals,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan in announcing the proposed rule. EPA will both help protect communities from PFAS pollution and seek to hold polluters accountable for their actions.

“Communities have suffered far too long from exposure to these forever chemicals,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan in announcing the proposed rule. EPA will both help protect communities from PFAS pollution and seek to hold polluters accountable for their actions.

The proposed designation of PFOS and PFOA is not a done deal. Citizens will need to submit supportive comments during the official rulemaking process. EPA will be publishing the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register before a 60-day comment period begins.