Search

EPA Develops New PFAS Test Method 1633

Posted on 9/8/2021 by Roseanne Bottone

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are called “forever chemicals” because their unique chemistry prevents them from breaking down in the environment. PFAS are bio-accumulative and persistent in the human body. They are used to manufacture everyday consumer goods like non-stick cookware, cleaning products, sneakers, electronics, and even facial moisturizers.

A consistently reliable test method to measure PFAS levels is essential for effective environmental regulation. US EPA and the Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced the release of a new method to test for PFAS compounds in various media, Draft Method 1633

The new method tests for 40 PFAS compounds in:
  • wastewater,
  • surface water,
  • groundwater,
  • soil,
  • biosolids,
  • sediment,
  • landfill leachate, and
  • fish tissue.
 
EPA’s Council on PFAS and the DoD will continue to collaborate to complete a multi-laboratory validation (MLV) study of the method in 2022.
 
The US Food and Drug Administration explains an MLV this way:
"[An] MLV study is an inter-laboratory study in which collaborators in multiple laboratories use a defined method of analysis to analyze identical portions of homogeneous materials to assess the performance characteristics obtained for that method of analysis…It is designed to measure reproducibility, so that it can be determined if the method can be successfully performed by laboratories other than the originating laboratory."

Existing PFAS Test Methods

Draft Method 1633 is a new tool in the PFAS testing arsenal. Once verified, the new method will complement existing ones that test for PFAS in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and in non-potable water under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Who Tests for PFAS?

These laboratory analytical methods are used to analyze the chemical, physical, and biological components of drinking water, wastewater, and other environmental media.

PFAS test methods are used by:
  • Regulatory Authorities;
  • State, local, and tribal municipalities;
  • Researchers;
  • Industry professionals; and
  • Other stakeholders.
Use of the new test method 1633 is not required unless or until the EPA establishes such a requirement through the rulemaking process. EPA recommends using the new test methods in individual permits now.

More about Clean Water Act analytical methods for PFAS.  

Complete EPA Regulations Training

If you’re new to the EH&S field or need an update on changing EPA rules, Lion's live webinars are a convenient way to quickly build up critical expertise.

On December 1 & 2, join Lion for live Complete Environmental Regulations training to identify the EPA rules that impact you. This instructor-led two-day webinar is updated to cover new and changing environmental regulations you should know about, including: 

  • Latest on EPA's new Waters of the US (WOTUS) Rule
  • Major Lautenberg Law amendments to TSCA
  • CSB's new chemical release reporting rule 
  • The latest Clean Air Act requirements for facilities 

Save your seat now

Or learn at your own pace with these two easy-to-use online courses: 
Complete Environmental Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online

Tags: Clean Water Act, NPDES, PFAS, water discharge

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

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

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

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

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

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

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

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

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

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.