Politics & Government
PA Proposes 'Unprecedented' PFAS Drinking Water Standard
The state is considering a step it's never taken in its history in an effort to keep drinking water safe and clean.
PENNSYLVANIA — A new drinking water health standard has been proposed in Pennsylvania that officials are hopeful will protect residents from PFAS, long-lasting chemicals used in certain products that leak into the groundwater. The step is described as "unprecedented" as Pennsylvania has never set a state-level specific limit for a substance in drinking water.
Th new rule would set a maximum contaminant level of 18 parts per trillion for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and 14 perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Both are stricter than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ruling of 70 ppt.
Pennsylvania leaders say they are at the forefront of limiting PFAS in drinking water.
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“Since Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order in 2018, DEP has worked tirelessly to protect Pennsylvanians from these chemicals," DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said in a statement.
A 60-day public comment period began on Saturday for residents to evaluate the new proposal.
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"This public comment period allows stakeholders to share their feedback and concerns as we continue to put the safety and health of Pennsylvanians first," McDonnell added.
PFAS have been used since the 1940S to make products resistant to water and heat such as cookware, carpets, furniture fabrics, and more.
The science of how PFAS impact human health is still emerging. Advocates and organizers have been pointing to their consequences for some time, particularly where they believe clusters of illness have emerged, such as at Naval Air Station Willow Grove in Montgomery County.
A series of virtual public hearings on the new rules will be held next month via Webex on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Agency's website.
- Monday, March 21, 2022, at 1:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 1:00 PM
- Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 9:00 AM
- Friday, March 25, 2022, at 9:00 AM
To submit a comment, email RegComments@pa.gov or write through the DEP's website here.
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