The Commonwealth of Massachusetts released draft regulations for a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL). PFAS are a group of different chemicals. These are individual contaminants with unique chemical structures. These substances have existed since the 1950s. Laboratory technology is now able to detect PFAS at levels one millionth of the levels used to regulate most chemical contaminants. PFAS are measured and reported as nanograms per liter (ng/L) and 1 ng/L is equal to 0.000001 milligrams per liter (mg/L). PFAS have adverse health impacts since they can accumulate and build up in the body over time. PFAS were specifically developed to repel other substances and to last a long time. This had advantages for the products in which they are used such as coatings for cookware, food packaging (ie. microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes), clothing and carpets and fire-fighting foam. The problem is that PFAS have entered the environment and are now in water supply sources where they are doing what they were designed to do, lasting a long time and being resistant to removal using conventional water treatment techniques.
In 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) established an Office of Research and Standards Guideline (ORSG) level for drinking water. The MassDEP ORSG is 70 ppt for the total sum of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). The MassDEP recommends the following:
1. Consumers in sensitive subgroups (pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants) not consume water when the level of the five PFAS substances, individually or in combination, is above 70 ppt.
2. Public water suppliers take steps expeditiously to lower levels of the five PFAS, individually or in combination, to below 70 ppt for all consumers.
In December 2019, draft proposed regulations were issued that would establish a Massachusetts drinking water MCL of 20 ppt for the sum of PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA, and Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA). The draft regulations also propose standards for soil and groundwater cleanup of PFAS from contaminated sites.
Public water suppliers within Massachusetts will be required to conduct initial sampling of its water supply at each entry point to the distribution system for PFAS for four consecutive quarterly samples. The commencement date will depend on PWS service population with the current proposed schedule of:
· April 1, 2020 for population greater than 50,000
· October 1, 2020 for population of 10,000 to 50,000
· October 1, 2021 for population less than 10,000
Subsequent routine monitoring will depend on the test results obtained during the initial monitoring period and the proposed regulations include provisions for reduced monitoring waivers for sources with no detection of PFAS.
Public hearings on the draft regulations will be held in January 2020 with comments accepted through February 28, 2020. More information can be obtained at https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-develops-drinking-water-standards-invests-24-million-for-water
Please contact ResilientCE with questions at admin@resilientce.com.
Comments