PFAS
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PFAS SNUR Finalized Without “Safe Harbor” Provisions
On June 22, 2020, U.S. EPA issued a final TSCA significant new use rule (SNUR) for long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate (LCPFAC) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (PFAS) chemical substances. Specifically, the SNUR designates as a significant new use manufacturing (including importing) or processing of (i) an identified subset of LCPFAC chemical substances for any use that was not… Continue reading
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EPA Announces Regulatory Determination to Regulate PFAS in Drinking Water
On Thursday, February 20, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced a preliminary regulatory determination that the agency will seek to implement regulatory limits for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in public drinking water across the United States. Continue reading
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Clothing Company Agrees to Pay $69.5 Million to Settle PFAS Claims
In a consent decree filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (“Wolverine”) has agreed to pay up to $69.5 million to resolve claims that it was responsible for PFAS contamination found in drinking water in the Michigan townships of Plainfield and Algoma. Continue reading
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U.S. EPA Adds 160 PFAS Substances to TRI Reporting List
On January 16, 2020, U.S. EPA added 160 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The addition of these 160 PFAS compounds to the TRI inventory means that as of January 1, 2020, companies will need to track releases of these compounds, and releases exceeding the threshold, which was set at… Continue reading
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New York Bans PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam as Industry Fights for Exemptions
On December 23, 2019, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo gave conditional approval to a state ban on firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as “PFAS”). PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their ongoing persistence in the environment, are a family of man-made chemicals commonly found in a variety of… Continue reading
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U.S. EPA May Require Companies to Report PFAS Releases in TRI Reports
On November 25, 2019, U.S. EPA submitted an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) for publication in the Federal Register seeking public comment on whether certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) should be added to the list of chemicals subject to reporting under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Continue reading
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Environmental Groups Collaborate on Launch of National PFAS Clearinghouse
In conjunction with a publicity blitz surrounding the release of “Dark Waters,” a movie targeting alleged environmental and health impacts associated with PFAS releases in Ohio and West Virginia, a group of environmental groups, lawmakers and other advocates of strict PFAS regulations launched a public clearinghouse that is intended to provide consumers with information on… Continue reading
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DoD Quietly Releases PFAS Screening Levels
On October 15th, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued an internal guidance document regarding CERCLA cleanup actions involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Continue reading
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Exploring the E-Suite with Joel Brammeier, President and CEO, Alliance for the Great Lakes
The Alliance drives the local, state and federal policy reforms and implementation necessary to create a healthy Great Lakes for all people and wildlife, forever. We do this by communicating our thought leadership on issues, building powerful networks of influencers, and educating and activating tens of thousands of volunteers, advocates and donors each year who… Continue reading
Alliance for Great Lakes, Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Clean and Safe Water, Environmental advocacy, fundraising, Great Lakes, invasive species prevention, Joel Brammeier, Lake Erie, Lake Michigan Federation, PFAS, The Great Lakes Water Resources Compact & Agreement, toxic algae, volunteer, Water -
New Jersey Puts PFAS Manufacturers in the Cross-Hairs
New Jersey continues to adopt an aggressive posture with respect to per- and polyfluoralkyl (PFAS) contamination. On March 25, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a “Statewide PFAS Directive Information Request and Notice to Insurers” to five major chemical companies notifying those companies that NJDEP believed them to be responsible for… Continue reading