Illinois EPA Proposes PFAS Groundwater Standards
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — long used in consumer and industrial products — have recently been in the news and the subject of increased regulatory attention, resulting in proposed and implemented regulation on both the state and federal level. PFAS have been used in a variety of products including, fabric protectants, nonstick coatings on cookware, and fire-fighting foams.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) released proposed draft amendments to Class I and Class II groundwater standards in Illinois last week, including adding, for the first time, standards for PFAS. This marks the start of a process allowing for stakeholder and other public input on the proposed amendments.
The Illinois proposal includes groundwater standards for the five PFAS chemicals: Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA), Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), as follows.
| Constituent | Standard (mg/L) |
| Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS) | 0.14 |
| Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS) | 0.00014 |
| Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA) | 0.000021 |
| Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) | 0.000021 |
| Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) | 0.000014 |
It also includes a combined PFOA and PFOS standard of 0.000021 mg/L.
The proposed amendments are currently in pre-publication draft form, with the IEPA requesting comments by January 31, 2020. Following its receipt of initial comments, the IEPA will submit its proposal to the Illinois Pollution Control Board, triggering a process for further public review and comment prior to promulgation of a final rule.
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