EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized that this ruling aligns with President Joe Biden’s ongoing initiative to combat PFAS contamination across the nation. This follows closely on the heels of the agency establishing the first-ever drinking water standards for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS earlier this month.
“By designating these substances under our Superfund authority, we can tackle more contaminated sites, act more swiftly, and accelerate remediation processes while holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions,” Regan stated.
EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances : Reporting and Future Obligations
The regulation mandates immediate reporting of any PFOA and PFOS releases that reach or surpass a designated “reportable quantity” of one pound within a 24-hour timeframe, involving notifications to the National Response Center and relevant state or tribal bodies.
Additional measures will require federal agencies, upon transferring or selling properties, to disclose any storage, release, or disposal of the hazardous chemicals, ensuring that any contamination is addressed or slated for future remediation.
Enforcement and Legislative Responses
Accompanying the rule, the EPA has also rolled out a CERCLA enforcement discretion policy, which clarifies that the agency’s enforcement efforts will concentrate on major contributors to PFAS discharges, including manufacturers and industrial users.
