Authors: Emily Larson, Elizabeth Denly, & Catriona Smith | juin 24, 2022

On June 15, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released updated Health Advisory (HA) Levels for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, replacing the HAs that EPA previously issued in 2016. HA Levels are non-regulatory, non-enforceable, chemical-specific drinking water levels where exposure at or below is not anticipated to cause adverse human health effects. This action is in accordance with EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and is in support of EPA’s development of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for PFAS.

The new PFAS HAs are shown below for the four PFAS including, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and its ammonium salt (known as “GenX” chemicals). Additionally, the current lowest analytical reporting limit (the lowest concentration that current analytical technology can accurately report) is also included in the table for reference.

Chemical Minimum Reporting Limit (ppt) 2016 EPA Health Advisory Level (ppt) 2022 EPA HAL (ppt)
PFOA 4 70 (individual and combined) 0.004 (Interim)
PFOS 4 0.02 (Interim)
GenX Chemicals 5 NA 10 (Final)
PFBS 3 NA 2,000 (Final)
ppt = parts per trillion (nanograms per liter)

Interpreting the HA Values:

  • PFOA/PFOS HAs are interim levels; associated health effects assessments for each chemical are in draft form
  • GenX/PFBS HAs are final levels
  • Any detection of PFOA/PFOS can be inferred as an exceedance of the interim HAs
  • It’s confusing to impose criteria that cannot be measured; with the ubiquitous nature of PFAS and the potential for cross-contamination, it is currently impossible to measure PFOA and PFOS down to these low levels
  • It’s confusing to impose criteria that cannot be achieved by current specialized waste treatment technologies
  • The 21 states listed below that adopted, use or plan to use the previous EPA HA of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS may have to determine if they will implement the new levels; however, since these are interim values, that shift may be premature:
    • Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

Why are the PFOA/PFOS Values So Low?

There are three main input factors that contribute to the derivation of the interim HAs:

  • The noncancer Reference Dose (RfD) – the toxicity value that establishes the “safe level” for ingestion of a contaminant
  • The Relative Source Contribution (RSC) – the portion of an individual’s total exposure to a contaminant that is attributed to drinking water ingestion
  • Body Weight-Adjusted Drinking Water intake (DWI-BW) – exposure factor for the liters of water an individual consumes per day normalized to body weight

For both PFOA and PFOS:

  • RSC = assumed 20% of exposure is through drinking water (80% other sources)
  • RfD = derived from the epidemiological study showing decreased serum antibody concentration in children (suppression of vaccine response)
  • DWI-BW = a standard USEPA exposure factor that was based on the receptor (5-year-old) in the epidemiological study used to derive the RfD

While the RSC and the DWI-BW are standard values that are generally viewed as reasonable, the derivation of the RfD is subject to criticism with only a single epidemiological study as the basis. One of the many recommendations from the SAB in their April 2022 release of its review of the PFOS/PFOA toxicity assessment, was that the EPA should consider multiple human and animal studies for various endpoints to provide convergent evidence that is more reliable than a single study or health endpoint.

Additional Information

  • With the release of the interim HAs, EPA also released $1 billion in grant funding (part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) for general technical assistance, water quality testing, contractor training and installation of treatment technologies to help reduce PFAS in drinking water in small or disadvantaged communities facing disproportionate PFAS impacts
  • A cancer-based toxicity value (cancer slope factor [CSF]) will be developed for PFOA as part of the NPDWR
  • The proposed NPDWRs for PFOA/PFOS are anticipated to be released in fall 2022 with finalization in fall 2023
  • The current HALs do not incorporate the SAB’s most recent recommendations
  • According to the EPA PFAS HA webinar on June 23, 2022, if the EPA revises the HAs, they do not anticipate the new levels to exceed the Method Detection Limit (MDL) for PFOA/PFOS
Hand holding virtual human brain and golden key icon

Don’t Panic: Key Considerations

  • EPA’s release of unattainable chemical values is not unprecedented; in 2000, the EPA proposed an arsenic MCL that needed to be reassessed, then was eventually doubled, due to a national debate surrounding the science and costs associated with the ruling
  • Before the EPA can finalize the HAs and subsequently the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOA/PFOS, they will have to address the Science Advisory Board’s (SAB’s) numerous suggestions
  • EPA reassures that these HAs are subject to change and also acknowledges that the interim values may be updated or removed altogether
  • A proposed impending MCL will consider both the science (toxicity and treatment technology) and the economics and will likely be higher than the HAs

In the meantime, calming public concern and addressing public confusion will be at the top of state and municipality agendas.

Contact Us

For more information on managing PFAS at your facility and public outreach efforts, please contact:

Emily Larson, Environmental Risk Assessor

elarson@trccompanies.com

 

 

Elizabeth Denly, ASQ CMQ/OE Vice President, PFAS Initiative Leader & Chemistry Director

edenly@trccompanies.com

Catriona V. Smith, R.E.M. Vice President

CVSmith@trccompanies.com

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The CBP acts as the project’s roadmap for ensuring communities workers, and other stakeholders have opportunities for meaningful engagement.

GettyImages-1555270424-sm
Mises à jour réglementaires

New Executive Order 14096 Broadens Environmental Justice Initiatives

mai 9, 2023

Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, seeks to deepen the Biden administration’s “whole-of-government” approach to environmental justice (EJ) by fully integrating the consideration of unserved and overburdened communities and populations into all aspects of federal agency planning and delivery of services.

solar-panels-photovoltaic
Ressources

Agrivoltaics

février 8, 2023

Agrivoltaics is the simultaneous use of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agriculture.

8d1cfb56-connecticut-childrens-healthy-homes-1440x1080-2
Ressources

VaporSafe™ Continuous Air Monitoring Technology

janvier 9, 2023

VaporSafe™ continuous air monitoring technology can be used as a sustainable solution to identify a vapor intrusion pathway.

95cddf25-waupaca-wi-landfill
Ressources

Green and Sustainable Remediation

janvier 9, 2023

Green and sustainable remediation (GSR) can optimize remedial activities, minimize environmental footprints and reduce social and economic impacts.

e768ef7b-climate-resiliency-community
Aperçus

How to Develop a Climate Resiliency Plan for Extreme Weather Events

Décembre 15, 2022

Planning now for weather-related risks is crucial to preserving local communities.

mist-on-the-sierra-nevada-mountains
Ressources

Carbon Sequestration

Décembre 14, 2022

Carbon Sequestration is an emerging technology to combat climate change by mitigating carbon emissions.

0f7b8139-coal-fired-power-plant-smoke-stacks-platte-river-casper-wyoming-wind-turbines-821028416
Aperçus

Preparing Your RMP Facility for a Future of Extreme Weather

novembre 29, 2022

Facilities dealing with hazardous materials must prepare for extreme weather events that pose a risk to their operations and the community.

business-and-statistics-concept
Aperçus

Data Requirements to Improve Statistical Decision Making

octobre 25, 2022

One goal of statistics is to draw meaningful inferences but your dataset must be large enough to provide technically-defensible and robust statistics.

904ccb51-power-plant-in-urban-area
Mises à jour réglementaires

Proactive Enforcement is Key in the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategy

octobre 19, 2022

A core element of the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategic Plan focuses on environmental compliance.

3bfd18d9-highway-through-clevleand-oh-1162198844
Mises à jour réglementaires

Preparing for EPA Inspections in Environmental Justice Communities

octobre 4, 2022

The EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Have Expanded Goals to Strengthen Enforcement and Protections Within EJ Communities

205fc9bc-trc-climate-resiliency-2000x600-b
Nouvelles

TRC Companies Inc. welcomes the Founder and Key Principals of ESG Advisory Firm Enzo Advisors, LLC

septembre 27, 2022

TRC Companies announces the expansion of its Climate Solutions offering and ESG capabilities with the addition of the Founder and CEO, and key members of Enzo Advisors, LLC

gettyimages-1256588029
Aperçus

A Green Future for Stormwater Management

septembre 26, 2022

Green Stormwater Management is an effective strategy for flood control and pollution mitigation.

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Aperçus

ESG Social Criteria

juin 22, 2022

ESG criteria involve many different factors. In this article, we look at the social aspect of ESG criteria. Contact TRC today to develop your ESG strategy!

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Aperçus

ESG vs. CSR | Differences, Definitions & Implementation

juin 19, 2022

ESG and CSR both address the need for corporate social responsibility in businesses but in different ways. Click here to learn more about ESG vs. CSR!

epa-strategic-plan-blog
Aperçus

Climate Action and Environmental Justice are at the Forefront of EPA’s Strategic Plan

juin 14, 2022

The EPA issued its Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Although the strategic plans emphases often change with administrations, we can be reasonably certain that the Plan reflects priorities through 2024.

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Aperçus

What Are ESG Ratings and How Are They Given?

juin 12, 2022

Your ESG rating can make or break your business’s attractiveness to investors. Learn more about ESG ratings and how they work with TRS Company!

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Nouvelles

TRC Companies Pledges to Achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2040

avril 26, 2022

TRC Companies, a digitally powered and environmentally focused global professional services firm, announced its commitment to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its full value chain by 2040, aligning with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 °C.

1924350e-trc-esg-framework
Aperçus

Why Are ESG Frameworks Important?

avril 13, 2022

ESG standards significantly impact long-term growth, leading many companies to integrate ESG reporting into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. ESG frameworks are broad and diverse, and establishing a reporting system that covers your industry’s most relevant metrics can be challenging.

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Aperçus

How Does ESG Address Social Concerns?

février 1, 2022

Social criteria encompass relationship management and how the company fits into the community where it produces its goods or services. Learn more.

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Aperçus

How Does ESG Address Corporate Governance?

novembre 15, 2021

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria can direct investors’ decisions regarding which companies they choose to support. Each component plays a crucial role in risk assessment.

GettyImages-1613564585
Aperçus

How Does ESG Address Environmental Concerns?

octobre 22, 2021

When investors consider where to put their money, they may examine environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, learn about a company’s core values and decide if they align with their own. Young people, in particular, search out this information to make decisions that align with their morals.

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What Is Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance?

octobre 10, 2021

Several key considerations help determine whether an investor decides to support a particular company. While many factors can tip the scales, investors are increasingly seeking out businesses that uphold higher standards. Therefore, companies should openly communicate their standards to make it easier for investors to understand their values.

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Mises à jour réglementaires

NJDEP Implements New Jersey Environmental Justice Law Through Administrative Order

octobre 5, 2021

On September 22, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner announced the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2021-25 to implement New Jersey’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. This order is effective immediately, and applicants seeking to site new major source facilities, renew major source permits or expand existing facilities with major source permits (e.g., Title V air permits) in overburdened communities are affected. There are more than 4.5 million people that live within 331 municipalities that are overburdened communities in the state of New Jersey.

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Aperçus

Screening ESG Risks in Autonomous Robotics Investments

septembre 9, 2021

Environmental, social & governance (ESG) issues are important considerations with autonomous robotics due to potential reputational risks.

GettyImages-1145592947-1
Aperçus

Cryptocurrency: The Environmental Threats and Opportunities

août 9, 2021

Cryptocurrency (also known as crypto) is taking the fintech industry by storm, despite the economic experts who still dismiss it as a viable form of currency. Although often criticized for this volatility, whistleblowers are also further shining a light on the severe toll that these digital currencies are taking on the environment.

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Livres blancs/rapports

Managing EHS & ESG Risks Through Integrated Systems Today and Beyond

juillet 22, 2021

It has been more than 50 years since the development and establishment of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) which were formed to protect our environment and workplaces across the United States. Significant laws, policies and regulations followed to establish the “regulatory programs” that all applicable businesses and entities must address and meet to ensure these compliance-driven legislative programs would create a foundation to protect our society.

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Aperçus

The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington

mars 1, 2021

The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.

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Aperçus

EHS Due Diligence in 2022

Décembre 7, 2020

Some of observations and trends in the EHS due diligence market since the beginning of the pandemic.

GettyImages-1613564585
Nouvelles

TRC Announces Collaboration with Greenstone Reinforcing Integrated ESG, Sustainability and Climate Risk Solutions

juin 26, 2020

The dominant trend in improving the efficiency and profitability of the logistics and supply chain industry will continue to be achieved through automation. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues can be important considerations for investments in this sector due to potential reputational risks for the acquiring entity. Key issues include negative publicity surrounding the perception of job elimination, as well as the procurement of specialty materials required to produce batteries and other components of autonomous robots. The recycling or responsible disposal at the end of the life of the product is also a key focus especially in Europe. TRC was asked to provide ESG risk screening for a foreign auto manufacturer’s investment in a U.S.-based autonomous robotics company. A two-step approach was taken to access the risks associated with this target. The first step evaluated the inherent risks of the target company’s sector based on its geographical spread and operations using public information like the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the CDC Investment Works Toolkit. The second step involved deeper analysis of ESG risk assessments & insights based on a review of specific controls that the company uses to manage its risks. This included a questionnaire, reviewing company documents and programs, and interviewing company representatives.

8991ce0c-trc-covid-pathogen
Livres blancs/rapports

COVID-19 and Implications for ESG Investing

juin 3, 2020

This global pandemic has exposed business vulnerabilities and recalibrated material Environmental Social and Governance factors for investors.

liquid-chemical-tank-terminal-storage-liquid-chemical-petrochemical-scaled-1
Ressources

La relation entre les dangers météorologiques liés au climat et le stockage de produits chimiques et la préparation aux situations d’urgence

août 22, 2024

La gestion des risques chimiques aborde les risques que les produits chimiques nocifs posent pour les humains et l’environnement.

meeting-with-laptops
Aperçus

Renforcer la résilience organisationnelle aux changements climatiques

Décembre 15, 2023

Atténuer les risques opérationnels potentiels en suivant quatre étapes clés

0d1f812f-preparing-the-grid-for-transportation-electrification
Aperçus

Preparing the Grid for Transportation Electrification

août 14, 2023

Electric vehicle use is on the rise, and cities need to prepare. Discover how the power grid can accommodate growing transportation electrification trends.

21fc25f2-prairie-storm-saskatchewan-canada-1172325528-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

Regulators Update Design Storm Rainfall Depths in Response to Climate Science Projections and Recent Storm Data

août 3, 2023

Regulators are responding to anticipated increases in extreme rainfall events by updating design storm rainfall depth regulations.

community-benefit-teamwork
Aperçus

Community Benefits Plans – A Winning Formula for Federal Funding

mai 12, 2023

The CBP acts as the project’s roadmap for ensuring communities workers, and other stakeholders have opportunities for meaningful engagement.

GettyImages-1555270424-sm
Mises à jour réglementaires

New Executive Order 14096 Broadens Environmental Justice Initiatives

mai 9, 2023

Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, seeks to deepen the Biden administration’s “whole-of-government” approach to environmental justice (EJ) by fully integrating the consideration of unserved and overburdened communities and populations into all aspects of federal agency planning and delivery of services.

088350fb-man-filling-a-glass-of-filtered-water-right-from-the-tap-in-the-kitchen
Aperçus

Water Resiliency: Military Base Experience and Application to Communities and Industries

février 23, 2023

Water resiliency is the ability to effectively operate if the water resources you rely on are stressed, contaminated or even cut off for a specified amount of time.

solar-panels-photovoltaic
Ressources

Agrivoltaics

février 8, 2023

Agrivoltaics is the simultaneous use of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agriculture.

e768ef7b-climate-resiliency-community
Aperçus

How to Develop a Climate Resiliency Plan for Extreme Weather Events

Décembre 15, 2022

Planning now for weather-related risks is crucial to preserving local communities.

mist-on-the-sierra-nevada-mountains
Ressources

Carbon Sequestration

Décembre 14, 2022

Carbon Sequestration is an emerging technology to combat climate change by mitigating carbon emissions.

0f7b8139-coal-fired-power-plant-smoke-stacks-platte-river-casper-wyoming-wind-turbines-821028416
Aperçus

Preparing Your RMP Facility for a Future of Extreme Weather

novembre 29, 2022

Facilities dealing with hazardous materials must prepare for extreme weather events that pose a risk to their operations and the community.

business-and-statistics-concept
Aperçus

Data Requirements to Improve Statistical Decision Making

octobre 25, 2022

One goal of statistics is to draw meaningful inferences but your dataset must be large enough to provide technically-defensible and robust statistics.

205fc9bc-trc-climate-resiliency-2000x600-b
Nouvelles

TRC Companies Inc. welcomes the Founder and Key Principals of ESG Advisory Firm Enzo Advisors, LLC

septembre 27, 2022

TRC Companies announces the expansion of its Climate Solutions offering and ESG capabilities with the addition of the Founder and CEO, and key members of Enzo Advisors, LLC

gettyimages-1256588029
Aperçus

A Green Future for Stormwater Management

septembre 26, 2022

Green Stormwater Management is an effective strategy for flood control and pollution mitigation.

epa-strategic-plan-blog
Aperçus

Climate Action and Environmental Justice are at the Forefront of EPA’s Strategic Plan

juin 14, 2022

The EPA issued its Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Although the strategic plans emphases often change with administrations, we can be reasonably certain that the Plan reflects priorities through 2024.

1924350e-trc-esg-framework
Aperçus

Why Are ESG Frameworks Important?

avril 13, 2022

ESG standards significantly impact long-term growth, leading many companies to integrate ESG reporting into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. ESG frameworks are broad and diverse, and establishing a reporting system that covers your industry’s most relevant metrics can be challenging.

21ace44f-microsoftteams-image-29
Aperçus

10 Takeaways from the COP26 Climate Meeting

novembre 17, 2021

There are compelling reasons to be optimistic about the outcomes of the COP26 meeting. Notably, agreement among all nations that more needs to be done, by both private and governmental bodies, to contain and mitigate climate change.

GettyImages-1216409748-1
Aperçus

The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington

mars 1, 2021

The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.

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Emily Larson

Emily Larson has more than 10 years of experience modeling the bioaccumulation of semivolatile compounds and metals in ecological systems, modeling exposure to human and ecological receptors, and preparing human health and ecological risk assessments. She has experience conducting risk assessments with emerging contaminants, specifically per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In addition, she serves as a technical expert on PFAS within the intermountain region for TRC. She has experience with Superfund (CERCLA) as well as several state-led programs specifically in the Inter Mountain West and Pacific Northwest regions. Emily has worked with several clients in both the private and the public (state and federal) sector. She can be reached at ELarson@TRCcompanies.com.

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Elizabeth Denly

Elizabeth Denly serves as TRC’s Vice President, PFAS Initiative Leader. She is also the Quality Assurance & Chemistry Director, responsible for the creation and implementation of the Quality Management Plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field sampling and documentation protocols. Ms. Denly also leads Quality Coordinator networks, which are responsible for the development and communication of quality initiatives within the organization. She is a chemist with 29 years of consulting experience encompassing field and laboratory analyses and audits, QA/QC, data validation, and consulting for regulatory agencies. Ms. Denly is a leader in ITRC’s PFAS and TPH Risk Work Groups and in TRC’s Center of Research & Expertise (CORE) Emerging Contaminants Team and received the ITRC’s Industry Member of the Year Award in 2017. She is currently focusing on PFAS, specifically the nomenclature, chemistry, sampling procedures, QA/QC, and laboratory analytical methodologies, and has a significant role in educating clients, attorneys, and regulators about PFAS. As a senior QA specialist at TRC, Ms. Denly is responsible for providing QA/QC oversight in support of a variety of environmental investigations and remediation programs including risk-based soil cleanups, ambient air monitoring, and human health and ecological risk assessments. In this role, she has directed the preparation of QAPPs, coordination with the laboratory, selection of the appropriate analytical methodologies to achieve the desired remedial standards, oversight and performance of the data validation process, and determination of the usability of the data and achievement of data objectives. Ms. Denly has provided this oversight under different regulatory programs. Read more on Ms. Denly's bio page. Please contact her at edenly@trccompanies.com.

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Catriona Smith

Catriona (Cat) Smith has over 30 years of professional experience in the interpretation and application of regulations for industrial facilities relating to compliance, remediation and negotiations with regulatory agencies. Her clients include upstream and downstream oil and gas, chem-pharma, petrochem, manufacturing and federal, state, and local governments. Ms. Smith is a Vice President and Environmental Sector Market Director for TRC, with nationwide responsibilities to manage our clients’ PFAS challenges, support and grow our Oil and Gas clients and bring multi-disciplinary solutions to their complex projects. Contact Cat at CVSmith@trccompanies.com.