EPA Releases Updated PFAS Analytical Method

EPA has updated its validated Method 537.1 to test for an additional four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, including the GenX chemical, hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). Besides GenX, EPA Method 537.1 can now test for three additional PFAS [11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS), 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS), and 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)]. EPA Method 537.1 can now test for 18 PFAS in drinking water, which is an important step in assessing the public’s exposure to a broader range of PFAS.

EPA will host a free webinar on November 28, 2018, at 2:00 pm EDT to provide an update on agency efforts to develop and validate analytical methods, as well as information specifically on this updated and validated method. You can register for the webinar here.

EPA also provides information in its drinking water treatability database that should help states, tribes, and local communities make the best choices about how to treat PFAS contaminated drinking water based on their specific needs. Selecting the appropriate treatment, given that operation and maintenance costs will continue in perpetuity, is a challenging decision for impacted communities. EPA has evaluated the effectiveness of several drinking water treatment technologies to remove a variety of PFAS. EPA has also evaluated the costs associated with the drinking water technologies based on the type of PFAS that need to be treated.

EPA is continuing to work to develop a PFAS Management Plan that will provide the agency’s approach to addressing PFAS challenges and will be released as soon as possible. Previously, EPA stated that this Plan would be released by the end of 2018, but it’s already November 21st…