EPA Proposes federal limit on 2 PFAS compounds

The proposed “regulatory determination” unveiled by the agency today is the initial step in a yearslong process of setting a mandatory drinking water limit for the chemicals PFOA and PFOS. It comes as many states, frustrated with EPA’s slow pace, have begun work to enact their own drinking water limits for those two substances and sometimes others in the same chemical family.
“The U.S. leads the world in providing access to safe drinking water for its citizens, thanks in part to EPA’s implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement. Wheeler last year promised to issue the determination as he sought Senate confirmation for his post.

Opportunity for public comment – SADWF March 3 2020

The Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund (the Fund) was established through Senate Bill 200 (SB200) in July 2019. The Fund will provide $130 million per year that will be used to develop and implement solutions for water systems that are not sustainable or have violations of drinking water standards. The Fund will help water systems provide an adequate and affordable supply of safe drinking water in both the near and long terms. Types of projects include, but are not limited to, consolidation with a larger system, provision of interim replacement water, planning assistance, reducing operations and maintenance costs, and funding for administrators. Projects generally must benefit a disadvantaged community or low-income households or communities.

Mike Sennett joins WQA Staff

 The Water Quality Association (WQA) has named veteran attorney Mike Sennett as its General Counsel. Sennett, who retired from the Chicago law firm of Jones Day at the end of 2019, was selected for the new position because of his background and experience with both WQA and the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF).