Search

EPA Drafts Recommended Water Quality Criteria for PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS

Posted on 12/24/2024 by Lion Technology Inc.

EPA has drafted recommended water quality criteria for three per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS).

A notice appeared in the Federal Register on December 26, 2024. The agency will accept public comments on the draft criteria for 60 days, until February 24, 2025.

These recommendations, even when finalized, do not create any legally binding requirements. EPA has published recommended human health criteria (HHC) for more than 100 pollutants to help States and Tribes develop their own water quality standards. 

From the Notice: 

“The EPA’s recommended criteria do not impose legally binding requirements. States and authorized Tribes have the discretion to adopt, where appropriate, other scientifically defensible water quality criteria that differ from the EPA’s…”

Manufacturer ID and Fees for TSCA Risk Evaluations

The Federal Register notice includes preliminary lists of manufacturers (including importers) of these five High Priority Substances, who may be charged fees associated with the risk evaluation work mandated by TSCA (per 40 CFR 700.45).

During the 60 day comment period: 

“...manufacturers (including importers) are required to self-identify as a manufacturer (including importer) of a high priority substance, irrespective of whether they are listed on the preliminary list, unless they meet one or more of the exemptions listed in 40 CFR 700.45(a)(3)(i) through (iii). 

EPA Drafts Recommended Water Quality Criteria for PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS

What Are Ambient Water Quality Criteria or AWQC? 

The Clean Water Act directs US EPA to publish pollution criteria to protect water quality and human health, without consideration of economic impacts or the technological feasibility of sufficient pollution control.  

EPA recommends ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) and Human Health Criteria (HHC) based “solely on data and scientific judgments” about the risk to human health from lifelong exposure through drinking water and eating fish or shellfish, according to the agency's website.  

Learn more: Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PFAS (EPA.gov)

Complete Environmental Regulations Training

Want a clearer idea of how major EPA air, water, and chemical programs all fit together to affect your site's activities? Join in on the next Complete Environmental Regulations Webinar on January 30–31 at Lion.com.

EH&S professionals who attend can identify the regulations that apply to their facility and locate key requirements to achieve compliance with the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to EPCRA, TSCA, Superfund, and more. Prefer to train at your own pace? Try the interactive online course.

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

The definitive 10-step guide for new hazardous materials shipping managers. Quickly reference the major considerations and details that impact hazmat shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.