Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

Coming Soon: New CERCLA Hazardous Substance Listings for PFOA and PFOS

Posted on 4/15/2019 by Roger Marks

On April 9, 2019, US EPA announced plans to list two toxic fluorochemicals, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as hazardous substances under the CERCLA/Superfund program. The announcement was made at the spring meeting for the Environmental Council of States.

What Does the New CERCLA Listing Mean?

Adding these PFAS chemicals to the hazardous substance list will facilitate cleanup of sites contaminated with these chemicals, which are common in surface coatings, food packaging, textiles, firefighting foams, and other products.

While production of these persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals has been largely phased out in the United States, some producers still offer them from existing stock and they can still be imported into the US for a limited number of uses. 

If and when EPA finalizes the rule to list PFOS and PFOA as hazardous substances under CERCLA:
  • Sites contaminated with these chemicals can be listed as Superfund sites.
  • Money from the Superfund can be used to clean up sites contaminated with PFOA and/or PFOS.
  • Release reporting will be required for these chemicals.
  • Reportable Quantity (RQ) values will be added under CERCLA (40 CFR 302.4).
  • State and Federal authorities may seek damages or cleanup costs from parties responsible for PFOA or PFOS contamination.
Be confident you know your responsibilities under the many EPA air, water, and chemical programs that impact your operations. Join us for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop in Anaheim, Houston, New Jersey, and Orlando in 2019! Workshops start July 10–11 in Anaheim.  

Will EPA Set MCLs for PFAS?

Earlier this year, EPA announced a four-part Action Plan to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. EPA calls it “the most comprehensive cross-agency plan to address an emerging chemical of concern ever undertaken by EPA.”

In addition to listing PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, the plan outlines other EPA actions for these chemicals, including creating recommendations for groundwater cleanup. Before the end of 2019, EPA will make a “regulatory determination” that could lead to new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) for the two fluorochemicals.

Identify the EPA Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act permit, discharge, reporting, and oil spill requirements that apply at your facility—and make informed decisions about how to achieve compliance. Check out Clean Water Act & SDWA Online Course here.

Previous Actions on PFAS Chemicals

EPA has previously identified PFOA and PFOS on the SDWA’s most recent Contaminant Candidate List, the CCL4, released by EPA on November 17, 2016. [81 FR 81099]

That same year, the EPA announced health advisories for PFOA and PFOS, set at 70 parts per trillion. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, health advisories are non-regulatory and non-enforceable guidance to states and to public water systems.

Between 2006 and 2015, eight major companies joined together to reduce emissions of these chemicals and eliminate their use in products.
 

Convenient, Effective Online EHS Manager Training

Managing site compliance with the many complex EPA programs that affect your business—from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to TSCA, EPCRA, CERLCA, and more—is a major challenge. If you’re new to the field, or need an update on changing EPA rules, online training is a convenient way to quickly build in-depth expertise.

Check out the latest EPA compliance training options here:
 
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
New! Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Just Launched! Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 
The 2019 nationwide schedule for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop is now available. Collaborate with other managers to identify the requirements that apply to your facility, ask the right questions, and make the right decisions about EPA compliance.
 
 

Tags: chemicals, Clean Water Act, EPA, new rules, PFOA, PFOS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.