U.S. military takes important step towards PFAS-free firefighting foams

January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 John Lovie

New rule comes after years of PFAS contamination of water supplies for millions of Americans

Health advocates praise this move while calling for transparency and requirements for the safety of new foams

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) released a revised military specification (“mil spec”) for the purchase and use of firefighting foam free of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Revisions to the mil spec were required by the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The new rule comes after years of PFAS contamination of water supplies for millions of Americans.

This new specification also impacts airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was directed by Congress to allow airports to use fluorine-free foams by October 2021 and issued a new alert today. Continue reading U.S. military takes important step towards PFAS-free firefighting foams

EPA, NRWA, PFAS

EPA Adds Nine Additional PFAS to Toxics Release Inventory List

January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 WIWSA

EPA Adds Nine Additional PFAS to Toxics Release Inventory List | NRWA WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the automatic addition of nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list. … Continue reading EPA Adds Nine Additional PFAS to Toxics Release Inventory List

EPA, NRWA, PFAS

EPA Releases New PFAS Analytic Tools

January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 WIWSA

EPA Releases New PFAS Analytic Tools | NRWA Interactive webpage provides information on PFAS sources across the U.S. Jan 5, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new interactive webpage, called the “PFAS Analytic … Continue reading EPA Releases New PFAS Analytic Tools

NRWA, PFAS

2023 PFAS Cost Recovery Update

January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 WIWSA

2023 PFAS Cost Recovery Update | NRWA More information on a PFAS lawsuit Continue reading 2023 PFAS Cost Recovery Update

CDC, PFAS, Training

Public Health Assessment Training

January 6, 2023January 6, 2023 WIWSA

The Public Health Assessment Training (PHAT) provides with the basics to conduct the public health assessment or PHA. The PHA is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)’s method to evaluate community exposures to hazardous substances from hazardous waste sites. Continue reading Public Health Assessment Training

PFAS, Seattle Times

More ‘forever chemicals’ found in WA drinking water as cleanup costs mount

December 11, 2022December 11, 2022 WIWSA

More ‘forever chemicals’ found in WA drinking water as cleanup costs mount | The Seattle Times Where PFAS exceeded state action levels in Washington public water systems The state action levels were set to protect people who drink the same … Continue reading More ‘forever chemicals’ found in WA drinking water as cleanup costs mount

EPA, Seattle Times

PSE substations among five attacked in Pacific Northwest in November

December 8, 2022December 8, 2022 WIWSA

PSE substations among five attacked in Pacific Northwest in November | The Seattle Times Could water system facilities be next? Here’s a useful tool for vulnerability assessment from the EPA Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT) (epa.gov) Continue reading PSE substations among five attacked in Pacific Northwest in November

EPA, NRWA, PFAS

EPA Issues Guidance to States to Reduce Harmful PFAS Pollution

December 8, 2022December 8, 2022 WIWSA

EPA Issues Guidance to States to Reduce Harmful PFAS Pollution | NRWA WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a memorandum to states that provides direction on how to use the nation’s bedrock clean water permitting … Continue reading EPA Issues Guidance to States to Reduce Harmful PFAS Pollution

EPA, NRWA, PFAS

EPA proposes to close ‘loophole’ for reporting ‘forever chemical’ releases

December 8, 2022December 8, 2022 WIWSA

EPA proposes to close ‘loophole’ for reporting ‘forever chemical’ releases | The Hill EPA Proposes Rule to Enhance Reporting of PFAS Data to Toxics Release Inventory | NRWA Changes to TRI Reporting Requirements for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and to … Continue reading EPA proposes to close ‘loophole’ for reporting ‘forever chemical’ releases

EPA, PFAS

Regional PFAS Community Engagement Sessions

December 8, 2022December 8, 2022 WIWSA

Regional PFAS Community Enagement Sessions (pfascommunityengagement.org) Harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an urgent public health and environmental issue facing communities across the United States. In October 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the PFAS Strategic Roadmap—committing to … Continue reading Regional PFAS Community Engagement Sessions

DOH

It’s That Time Again!

November 15, 2022November 15, 2022 WIWSA

It’s That Time Again! Is there a water system you’re proud of? Do you know an outstanding waterworks operator or another deserving person in the drinking water industry? Nominate them for an award! We’re collecting nominations until February 20, 2023. … Continue reading It’s That Time Again!

PFAS, The PFAS Project

The PFAS Project Lab

October 26, 2022 WIWSA

https://pfasproject.com/ Studying Social, Scientific, and Political Factors of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Continue reading The PFAS Project Lab

EPA, PFAS

Superfund Listing of PFOA and PFOS – Public Comment Period ending November 7!

October 25, 2022October 25, 2022 WIWSA

Proposed Designation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as CERCLA Hazardous Substances | US EPA Notice about Public Comment Period On August 26, 2022, EPA posted to its website the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Designating Perfluorooctanoic Acid … Continue reading Superfund Listing of PFOA and PFOS – Public Comment Period ending November 7!

DOH

DOH wants your comments on the Capacity Development Strategy

October 25, 2022October 25, 2022 WIWSA

DRAFT Water System Capacity Development Strategy Report (govdelivery.com) We want your comments; Due November 6 The Office of Drinking Water would like your feedback on our draft Capacity Development Strategy. Once we receive your feedback and complete the document, we will … Continue reading DOH wants your comments on the Capacity Development Strategy

PFAS, Seattle Times

Heartache, anger in Central Washington over drinking-water wells tainted by ‘forever chemicals’

October 23, 2022 WIWSA

Heartache, anger in Central Washington over drinking-water wells tainted by ‘forever chemicals’ | The Seattle Times Brandi Hyatt, featured in this article, is another recipient along with Whidbey Island Water Systems Association of a Public Participation Grant for PFAS in … Continue reading Heartache, anger in Central Washington over drinking-water wells tainted by ‘forever chemicals’

Whidbey Island Water Systems Association

Education, information, and action on drinking water issues

Category: Partners

U.S. military takes important step towards PFAS-free firefighting foams

EPA Adds Nine Additional PFAS to Toxics Release Inventory List

EPA Releases New PFAS Analytic Tools

2023 PFAS Cost Recovery Update

Public Health Assessment Training

More ‘forever chemicals’ found in WA drinking water as cleanup costs mount

PSE substations among five attacked in Pacific Northwest in November

EPA Issues Guidance to States to Reduce Harmful PFAS Pollution

EPA proposes to close ‘loophole’ for reporting ‘forever chemical’ releases

Regional PFAS Community Engagement Sessions

It’s That Time Again!

The PFAS Project Lab

Superfund Listing of PFOA and PFOS – Public Comment Period ending November 7!

DOH wants your comments on the Capacity Development Strategy

Heartache, anger in Central Washington over drinking-water wells tainted by ‘forever chemicals’