EPA Plan For PFOA Regulation Called Too Little, Too Late
By Doug La Rocque
An announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency last Thursday, February14, that it will seek authorization to regulate toxic chemicals, such as PFOA and PFAS by the end of the year, is not being met with a favorable reaction. Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen released a statement, that says in part, this morning, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler released the EPA’s PFAS Action Plan and highlighted five main points: evaluating the need for setting an MCL (maximum contaminant level) for PFOA and PFOS, setting interim groundwater recommendations for cleanup, expanding the monitoring of PFAS chemicals across the country, developing a deeper understanding of PFAS in humans and in the environment, and the creation of a Risk Communication Toolbox to communicate effectively to the public.
Every single one of these points falls painfully short of the actions needed to address a growing crisis that involves thousands of chemicals in the drinking water of millions of Americans.
PFOA and PFOS are two of the most widespread chemicals in the PFAS family. They are manmade, and take centuries to break down in the environment. They have contaminated many drinking water systems nationally, either through manufacturing processes like those in Hoosick Falls (PFOA), or through firefighting foam that has been tested and used at airports, firehouses, and Department of Defense sites across the nation (PFOS).
It is clear that the EPA refuses to act, even in the growing face of a tidal wave of research and awareness that demands action. It is failing at its most basic core value: to protect human health and the environment.
19th Congressional District Representative Antonio Delgado was also highly critical of the EPA announcement, saying “The water contamination crisis requires urgent, decisive action. Too many people in Hoosick Falls, Petersburgh, and around the country have gotten sick or died because of PFAS/PFOA contamination. While it’s good that the EPA is taking a step forward, the plans announced today are insufficient. The agency must treat water contamination with the seriousness it deserves and ensure that communities have access to clean water. I will not let up in fighting for meaningful action here.”
Delgado recently wrote to the EPA with strong recommendations for what should be included in the plan announced today. He urged the EPA to set maximum contaminant levels for PFOA/PFAS as well as enact additional provisions to address water contamination in Upstate New York and across the country. Instead of setting these maximum contaminant levels now, the EPA only announced plans to begin doing so by the end of the year.
In New York State, the Drinking Water Quality Council has recommended PFOA levels be set at 10 parts per trillion. After public hearings this summer, that recommendation is expected to be approved by the NYS Department of Health.