Regulations on using and disposing of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being implemented at the federal and state levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking various actions to regulate PFAS in the United States. Some key regulations and initiatives include:
1. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits: Companies that discharge pollutants into U.S. water sources require an NPDES permit. The EPA intends to regulate PFAS disposal through the NPDES further
2. Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program: In October 2023, the EPA released a final rule that will improve reporting on PFAS to the TRI by eliminating an exemption.
3. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): The EPA aims to designate certain PFAS as CERCLA hazardous substances, requiring industrial facilities to report on chemical releases that meet the reporting threshold.
4. State-Level Regulations: PFAS regulations vary by state, with some states, such as Maine, Minnesota, and California, implementing bans on specific uses of PFAS and products containing PFAS.
5. Safe Drinking Water Act: To date, the EPA still needs to finalize regulations for any PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
These regulations aim to address the use and disposal of PFAS to protect human health and the environment. It’s essential to stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS at the federal and state levels.
Environmental guidelines and standards typically take the form of laws, regulations, codes of conduct, and voluntary initiatives. They may be mandatory or voluntary, depending on the organization or industry that they apply to. Government agencies typically enforce mandatory guidelines and standards, while businesses and other organizations adopt voluntary initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
You can find a comprehensive collection of environmental standards on the ESdat Environmental Data Software website.
What are environmental guidelines and standards?
How can ESdat Environmental Data Management software help with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?
ESdat Environmental Data Management software can be a valuable tool in managing data related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. Unlocking the Potential: ESdat Environmental Data Management Software’s Role in Addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
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