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

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

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

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

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.