EPA Wastewater Study on PFAS Chemicals Underwent Delays, Former Officials State

Why it matters locally: The delayed EPA study on PFAS in wastewater is significant for Louisiana due to potential impacts on the state's chemical and refining industries, which are major economic drivers. Understanding industrial sources of PFAS could lead to new regulations affecting discharge permits and treatment requirements for facilities in the state.

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WASHINGTON – A study intended to help regulators identify industrial sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater experienced delays, two former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials said. These individuals participated in the study's development. According to the former EPA employees, the study aimed to provide information on which industries discharge the chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” with their wastewater.