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PFAS, dubbed in the news as "Forever Chemicals" or "The New Asbestos", but really, a group of many chemicals which need consideration during transactions and development to mitigate risk / liabilities and protect people / the environment. By adopting a proactive approach and considering significant (current and historical) PFAS sources upfront, we look to protect Vendors, Purchasers and Developers alike by providing them with clear reliable advice as part of the due diligence or development process. Where clean-up costs are potentially high and the regulatory landscape likely to become ever tighter, Geo-Environmental assessments should now include consideration of whether PFAS could be present. If you want to know more about PFAS or discuss how PFAS may impact you, feel free to reach out.

Last week, the EPA released significant news regarding federal PFAS regulations. Here are the highlights. Historic Regulation - The EPA has released final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS, aiming to protect 100 million people from these chemicals in drinking water. Impactful Changes - Organizations with private wells, remediation obligations, or NPDES discharges will face significant, costly impacts. MCLs Established - Enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFHxS, with a mixture approach for managing combined PFAS concentrations. Compliance and Flexibility - Public water systems have three years for initial monitoring, with a five-year deadline for corrective actions. The rule includes flexibilities for small systems and reduced monitoring based on results. For a detailed analysis of how these changes may affect your organization, reach out to be connected with WSP's expert team! #PFAS #WSP

Meet the PFAS Working Group The Key Objective of the Group is to generate a communication strategy to members, relevant regulators and in particular CLAIRE and CIRIA that enables the PFAS Working Group to communicate to members best practices about the management of PFAS incidents and PFAS remediation. Additionally, to ensure that guidance produced by regulators, CLAIRE and CIRIA is practical, realistic and capable of being implemented. The PFAS Working Group should liaise with the EA PFAS team and express their views on policy, and practical implementation of remediation guidelines. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3wp4SYr #PFAS #remediation #incident

USEPA has finalized a long-awaited rule designating PFOA and PFOS, including their salts and structural isomers, as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as “Superfund.” Regulation of PFAS under CERCLA will affect a wide range of companies, business sectors, and public entities, with implications regarding operations, risk management, and potential liabilities. Our colleagues have written a client alert with more details: https://lnkd.in/en5DeAdq #RealWorldPFASSolutions

Canada PFAS Reporting Under CEPA: Tight Deadlines & Complex Requirements 🚨 Is your business ready for Canada’s PFAS reporting requirements under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)? The clock is ticking! ⏳ 📅 Reporting Deadline: Don't miss the date Jan 29,2025 for submitting your report! 🔍 Scope: Canada’s Risk Management approach covers a wide range of industries using or manufacturing PFAS. With three lists of reportable PFAS substances and complex scoping requirements, ensuring compliance can be challenging. Ensure your company meets all the standards. #PFASReporting #CEPACompliance #EnvironmentalRegulations #CanadaRegulations 

This is great to see and shows collaboration across the various bodies should highlight and share knowledge. With the difficulties around remdiation of #pfas this will only help. Regulator's targets need to be more realistic, but having this collaboration should allow technical challenge to the criteria if they are unachievable. #environmentallaw #pollution #environmentalinsurance

Stan Lippmann's Action Plan for PFAS Remediation in Washington State Phase 1: Assessment and Planning - Site Assessments: Identify and prioritize contaminated sites. - Risk Management Plan: Develop a plan based on assessment findings. Phase 2: Implementation of Treatment Technologies - Deploy Treatment Systems: Install GAC filtration and advanced treatment methods. - Pilot Innovative Technologies: Test new methods for effectiveness. Phase 3: Policy and Regulation - Regulatory Framework: Set strict standards and enforce bans on harmful PFAS. - Monitoring Program: Implement statewide monitoring of PFAS levels. Phase 4: Public Engagement and Education - Community Outreach: Educate and engage local communities. - Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with industry and environmental groups. Phase 5: Research and Innovation - Research Funding: Allocate resources for PFAS research and development. - Innovation Grants: Support innovative solutions and technologies. Phase 6: Evaluation and Adaptation - Monitor Progress: Evaluate effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed. - Continuous Improvement: Learn from experiences and improve approaches over time. Washington State needs to address PFAS contamination through a thorough assessment, strategic implementation of treatment technologies, strong policies, community engagement, research, and continuous improvement. #80MillionYears #80TrillionDollars #88MillionDEAD #Vote4StanLippmann2024

How do you address the challenges associated with the environmental risk assessment of UVCBs/MCS, and other difficult to test substances? Submit an abstract to share your knowledge on the topic at the UVCB and Complex Mixtures session that will be held, next October, at SETAC Fort Worth. (Deadline for submission is 05/15/24 - More details below)

Solving complex environmental problems requires not only novel tools and data solutions but stakeholder cooperation and clear and effective scientific communication. Consider submitting your work to our session this fall! Deadline for abstract submission is May 15th! #Setac #riskassessment #mixtures #uvcbs #microplastics #pfas

We formed the UKEireSpill PFAS Working Group. UKEireSpill-PFAS aims to generate a communication strategy between members, relevant regulators, CLAIRE and CIRIA, in order to develop best practices for the management of PFAS incidents and PFAS remediation. Additionally, to ensure that guidance produced by regulators, CLAIRE and CIRIA is practical, realistic and capable of being implemented. Read more about the UKEireSpill-PFAS Working Group, the Group's Objectives, Communication, and more ⬇️ #PFAS #PFASincident #PFASremediation