Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of chemicals commonly used since the 1950s in carpets, furniture & other fabrics, cooking tools, outdoor clothing, paper products, fire-fighting foams, and numerous industrial applications. Some are now found throughout the world environment in...
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count68
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (also called perfluorooctane sulfonate, both referred to as PFOS), the most common and best-studied PFAS, have had considerable public attention in recent years, including, most recently, in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Michigan. Concerns have...
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count253
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
Because PFOA and PFOS have been ubiquitous in daily use for decades, wastewater, biosolids, and other residuals (e.g. from recycle paper mills) typically contain low u/kg (ppb) concentrations. In comparison, in the 2000s, PFAS were found in biosolids (most were likely not significantly-industrially-impacted) in concentrations of tens to hundreds of ug/kg (ppb), with a U. S. average of 34...
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count265
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
Because of highly publicized PFAS contamination issues at industrial sites in MI, MN, NH, NY, and VT in 2015 – 2016, scrutiny of PFAS sources has grown in the Northeast and upper Midwest, spilling over onto wastewater and biosolids/residuals as potential “sources” of groundwater (and possibly surface water) contamination.
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count571
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
While there is considerable research regarding some PFAS (e.g. PFOA and PFOS) in the environment and related fate, impacts, and treatments, little is focused on biosolids and residuals. U. S. EPA is just now beginning to consider research on PFAS related to biosolids and residuals land application. NEBRA is developing an initial land application site evaluation research effort in collaboration...
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count131
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count777
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
The environmental, social, and economic benefits of recycling biosolids and residuals are large and significant. However, state regulatory overreaction to PFAS concerns could result in reductions in beneficial uses – and just when more efforts are being made to divert more organics from landfills in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize the resources in these materials.
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count235
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
Thanks for ongoing assistance from Michael Rainey, contracted support to NEBRA regarding PFAS issues. Thanks also to the NEBRA PFAS Advisory Group for guidance. NEBRA’s PFAS work is funded, in part, by SCA/Essity, Lystek, Resource Management Inc., Chittenden Solid Waste District (VT), Town of Merrimack NH, and Waste Management.
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count50
Description: Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling
PublisherWater Environment Federation
Word count378
Regulatory Reaction to PFAS Disrupts Residuals Recycling