On Friday, the Biden administration labeled two widespread pollutants as “hazardous substances,” making it simpler to make companies that disposed of them responsible for cleaning up the mess.
The EPA has determined two types of PFAS as hazardous under the country’s existing pollution law, making it easier to address the pollution caused by these chemicals.
PFAS, short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refers to a group of chemicals linked to cancer that have been used in making nonstick and waterproof products, as well as firefighting foam.
The toxic chemicals have become prevalent. in U.S. waterways, but have also contaminated specific sites, including areas near chemical plants and military bases. The EPA’s recent action aims to facilitate the cleanup of the historic pollution caused by two of the most infamous and hazardous types, known as PFOA and PFOS.
The new hazardous substance designation grants the agency more power to investigate and clean up sites contaminated with these chemicals under the country's Superfund law.
This designation also makes it easier for the agency to compel the companies responsible for the dumping to pay for the cleanup efforts. Additionally, the EPA stated that it would focus its efforts on major polluters such as companies that manufactured or used PFAS or specific federal facilities.President Biden recognizes the danger that 'forever chemicals' pose to the health of families across the nation, according to a statement from EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
This move allows the EPA to address more contaminated sites, take earlier action, expedite cleanups, and ensure that the costs of cleaning up pollution affecting communities are covered by the polluters.
The chemicals are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their propensity to persist in the environment and accumulate over time rather than breaking down.
This decision comes shortly after establishing legal limits for several PFAS in drinking water, including PFOA and PFOS.
The Biden administration on Friday designated two pervasive pollutants as “hazardous substances” — making it easier to put companies that dumped them on the hook for cleanup costs. The move, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), designates two types of PFAS as hazardous under the nation’s legacy pollution law. PFAS, which stands for per-and polyfluoroalkyl…
The move comes just days after a separate rule established legal limits for several PFAS in drinking water, including PFOA and PFOS.
