The Environmental Protection Agency is working to regulate per– and poly–fluorinated substances, called PFAS (pee-fas). They are a group of compounds that can contaminate drinking water.
First made in the 1940s and 50s by 3M, there are thousands of PFAS chemicals. Firefighting foam, especially used at airports, is the most important one for Alaskans. Cindy Christian, the Department of Environmental Conservation Drinking Water Program Manager explains.
“The perfluorinated firefighting foams, which are referred to as AFFF, were used at airports. They are required to be used by the FAA. They were used at airports for both putting out airplane fires and for training exercises. Once the foam is on the ground, it can seep into the ground and can affect the groundwater table. And that’s generally how it gets into a public water supply because you’re getting water from a well or from a surface water that’s been contaminated by PFAS.”
Though the chemicals are not regulated at this time, the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has proposed regulation of six of those chemicals. Cindy Christian says that Gustavus, Dillingham, Yakutat and others have found PFAS in their drinking water and begun treating for it.
The EPA’s proposed regulation is open for public comment until the end of May. If the EPA’s regulation becomes law, it will be adopted into state statutes. A bill regulating the use of aqueous film-forming foams in firefighting is also currently moving through the Alaska state legislature.
The EPA’s regulation will require that all community water systems, including the one in Talkeetna, monitor for PFAS. If found above maximum allowable levels, the water must be treated. Granulated activated carbon and membrane filtration systems are the two approved methodologies for treating PFAS contaminated water. According to Amanda Fleming, Borough Utilities and Facilities Operational Supervisor for Talkeetna, the water system has not yet been tested for PFAS.
Public comments regarding the PFAS regulations are welcome on the EPA’s website through the end of May.
