Available Now: 2023 Schedule of Hazmat & RCRA Training
Search

Update: EPA Proposes New TSCA Reporting Rule for PFAS

Posted on 8/30/2021 by Roseanne Bottone

[UPDATE 08/30/21] Earlier this month, EPA extended the comment period on its new TSCA reporting rule to September 27, 2021. The extension appeared in the Federal Register on August 3.
 
[UPDATE 06/28/21] Today US EPA proposed a new TSCA rule to require manufacturers and importers of PFAS to report on their activities. Comments on the proposal are due by August 27, 2021.

Original Article Text (Posted June 14, 2021)

US EPA will require businesses that manufactured or imported PFAS in the past ten years to report production and safety data under a new Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) rule the agency is preparing to propose.

Update: Read the proposed rule in the June 28 Federal Register


TSCA Section 8 Reporting and Recordkeeping for PFAS

The proposed rule would require persons that presently manufacture or import, or have manufactured or imported, PFAS chemicals in any year since January 1, 2011, to electronically report information about their activities, including:
  • uses,
  • production volumes,
  • disposal,
  • exposure, and
  • hazards.
The manufacture of PFAS as a byproduct is not exempt for the purpose of this proposed rule, and there is no exception for small manufacturers/importers.

Why the Concern About PFAS?

Per-fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are referred to as “forever chemicals” because their chemistry—a carbon-fluorine bone—prevents them from breaking down under typical environmental conditions. The degradation of these synthetic organic compounds can take hundreds or thousands of years.

More than 600 compounds containing PFAS chemicals are used in the US to manufacture a wide variety of products: firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, carpet stain-prevention treatments, and dental floss, to name a few.  

Currently, no Federal limits exist on concentrations of PFAS in drinking water—but that could soon change. In February 2021, EPA reissued regulatory determinations for a set of drinking water contaminants, including two of the most prevalent PFAS chemicals. EPA has made the final determination to regulate two PFAS chemicals—perfluorooctanesulfonic acid acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

EPA intends to address the lack of appropriate regulations for PFAS chemicals and set limits for these substances as they have for other dangerous pollutants like lead, benzene, uranium, and arsenic. In order to accomplish this goal and safeguard human health and the environment, they need data.

How to Submit Comments to EPA

EPA will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. Comments should be submitted using the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at regulations.gov and reference docket ID number EPAHQ-OPPT-2020-0549.

100% Online Training to Master Environmental Compliance

If you’re new to the field of environmental compliance or need an update on changing EPA rules, online training is a convenient way to quickly build in-depth expertise.

The Complete Environmental Regulations online course will prepare you to identify the 40 CFR regulations that impact your facility and take the steps need to achieve compliance. The course covers the keys to applicability for major EPA air, water, and chemical programs and will help you make informed decisions about environmental compliance. 

Check out more environmental compliance training options:
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 

Tags: chemicals, environmental compliance, reporting and recordkeeping, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

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

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

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

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.