EPA to Track PFAS in Wastewater Via New Guidance for States

So-called forever chemicals in wastewater may get closer scrutiny as a result of the Environmental Protection Agency’s new interim strategy for discharge permits announced Monday.

A group of EPA staffers began meeting in February to determine how to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, at facilities with EPA-issued permits for discharged wastewater. The group recommended that permit writers include requirements to monitor PFAS in places the chemicals are expected to appear.

The EPA doesn’t have enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water, and hasn’t recognized the family of chemicals on its Clean Water Act Priority Pollutant ...