Three States Move Forward with PFAS Drinking Water Actions

Many states are undertaking efforts to assess and address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Some new actions in the past week include efforts being taken by Michigan, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.

Michigan Proposes Draft PFAS Drinking Water Standards: On Ocober 1st, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) provided draft drinking water standards to the Governor, based on recommendations from the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART). The proposed drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are 16 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS, 8 ppt for PFOA, 6 ppt for PFNA, 51 ppt for PFHxS, 420 ppt for PFBS, 400,000 ppt for PFHxA at 370 ppt and Gen X. The next step is to provide the draft rules to the Environmental Rules Review Committee for consideration. For more information, read the article from the Michigan NPR Radio here.

New PFAS Drinking Water Standards Take Effect in New Hampshire: New Hampshire’s new drinking water standards became effective On September 30th at the following MCLs for four PFAS compounds: 18 ppt for PFHxS, 11 ppt for PFNA) 15 ppt for PFOS, and 12 ppt for PFOA. For more information, read the New Hampshire Public Radio article here.

Connecticut Interagency PFAS Task Force releases Draft PFAS Action Plan for Public Comment: On October 2nd, the Connecticut announced the release of its Interagency PFAS Task Force’s Draft Action Plan. The Task Force includes representatives from many state agencies and is focused on protecting human and environmental health from PFAS impacts. The Draft PFAS Action Plan is now available for public comment and includes recommended actions, including testing drinking water and bottled water and potential legislative changes. Comments will be accepted through October 15, 2019 and the Final PFAS Action Plan will be finalized by November 1, 2019. For more information, visit the Connecticut website.