Key Talking points PFAS/PFOA Resolution We feel very strongly that this resolution clearly demonstrates the commitment of GLLC to support water providers to provide safe, clean and affordable drinking water. Further, in order to protect all water users, we emphasize that the Congress and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should do everything in their power to ensure that the entities who are responsible for the contamination be required to fund all remediation efforts. Lastly, the process for setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) should be concluded as quickly as practicable. One important lesson arising from the Flint water crisis is that communities expect accurate, timely and decisive actions to protect their water quality. Key findings of the resolution: 1. To ensure a consistent and appropriate science-based standard for all water systems, the EPA should complete its process on whether to set a MCL for PFAS and PFOA as soon as reasonably possible. 2. EPA should provide routine updates on its schedule for making a final decision on setting an MCL for PFOS and PFOA. 3. EPA should take all appropriate actions to ensure that polluters pay for treatment and site clean-up costs related to PFAS contamination. 4. When water utilities become aware that they are delivering water that has tested for PFAS and/or PFOA at levels above those set forth in EPA standards/Health Advisories or an applicable state standard, they will: a. Take reasonable measures to publicly disclose such test results. b. Take steps to reduce PFAS and/or PFOA levels in finished drinking water, working with environmental and rate regulators to receive the necessary permits and rate recovery for any required capital improvements. c. In the case of an in-effect contract operations agreement, work with the water system owner to determine appropriate next steps with consideration for the actions set forth above.
Background on PFAS WHAT ARE PFAS?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured organic chemicals that are used in a variety of products for their nonstick properties (e.g., Teflon, Scotchgard), as well as in industrial applications such as firefighting. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) usage at military bases and airports are sources of PFAS in drinking water supplies near those locations. From the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroactane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were detected in numerous public water systems across the US.
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