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

Why it matters locally: The delayed EPA study on PFAS chemicals in wastewater is highly relevant to Virginia, as the state has numerous industrial facilities that could be sources of these 'forever chemicals,' potentially impacting local water quality and public health. Virginia has also been actively addressing PFAS contamination, with the Department of Environmental Quality recently proposing new regulations for these substances.

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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.