PFAS in Residuals

Information on MassDEP efforts to establish standards for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Residuals.

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Since August 2020, MassDEP has required quarterly monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in residuals that have an Approval of Suitability (AOS) and are permitted to be reused through land application. This increased frequency in monitoring, which had been required annually since January 2019, was implemented to address the need for more information on PFAS characteristics in residuals. More information about AOSs can be found at this link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/residuals-biosolids.

Information on PFAS is continually evolving and MassDEP is currently focusing on PFAS in residuals. Therefore, MassDEP is exploring actions to evaluate and address PFAS in residuals and has begun a stakeholder process to gather information and share ideas.

Other recent initiatives in which MassDEP has addressed PFAS include the updating of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). The MCP includes cleanup standards in soil and groundwater for PFAS (more information is available at this link: https://www.mass.gov/lists/final-pfas-related-revisions-to-the-mcp-2019). MassDEP has promulgated final regulations establishing a drinking water standard, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL); see https://www.mass.gov/lists/development-of-a-pfas-drinking-water-standard-mcl.

PFAS in Residuals Stakeholder Meeting #1 - September 29, 2020

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