Search

Illinois Bans Burning of PFAS

Posted on 6/14/2022 by Lauren Scott

On June 8, 2022, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill prohibiting the incineration of any perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including fire-fighting foams, effective immediately. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial processes for its waterproofing and oil-resistant properties. This has resulted in PFAS contaminating the air, water, and soil.

This law allows exemptions for incineration via thermal oxidizer when operated as a pollution control device or a resource recovery device at a facility using PFAS, as well as some exemptions for medical waste incinerators and landfills.

While PFAS have largely been phased out of production in the US, this class of 5,000-plus man-made substances is not easily broken down in the environment, hence the nickname “forever chemicals.” PFAS have also been linked to a wide range of health defects, such as immune system deficiencies, cancer, birth defects, and liver and kidney toxicity.

Because PFAS cannot be easily broken down, experts have long debated the safest and most effective way to dispose of PFAS. While incineration has shown some promise, the burning process may cause the substances to break down into other dangerous compounds and may inadvertently release additional greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

A similar bill was vetoed by Governor Pritzker last year, citing concerns that the bill’s definition of “incineration” was too broad, and would unintentionally restrict companies from using alternative methods for PFAS disposal, such as thermal oxidation.

New York passed a similar law in 2020 prohibiting the burning of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in certain cities. Researchers found that PFAS incineration at a plant in Cohoes, NY contributed to soil and surface water contamination in the surrounding areas.
 

EPA Plans Two RCRA Hazardous Waste Rules for PFAS

US EPA plans to propose two RCRA hazardous waste rules to address the environmental impacts of PFAS and facilitate cleanup of sites contaminated with these so-called forever chemicals.

The two forthcoming rules are EPA’s response to New Mexico’s governor, who petitioned the Agency to regulate PFAS chemicals as hazardous waste under RCRA, individually or as a group. The planned proposals respond to the petition and give us insight about how EPA will treat PFAS chemicals under the RCRA hazardous waste regulations in the future. 
 

RCRA and RCRA Refresher Training—When and Where You Want

US EPA requires hazardous waste professionals to complete annual training on the RCRA requirements.

Lion's RCRA training courses are updated to cover the latest new and revised hazardous waste regulations that generators must know. Get up to speed on the latest cradle-to-grave management standards with Lion's in-person workshop, self-paced online course, or live webinar.

Browse RCRA training options here to find the course that fits your needs, your schedule, and your learning style. 
 

Tags: chemical management, Clean Air Act, EPA, PFAS

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

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

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

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

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

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS 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

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.