The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule to add 16 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). This decision, signed on October 1, 2024, by Michal Freedhoff, EPA's Assistant Administrator, aims to enhance public access to information on chemical releases and support efforts to mitigate health and environmental risks posed by PFAS.
EPA’s Proposal to Expand TRI PFAS Listings
The EPA is introducing a proposed rule to include 16 specific PFAS and 15 PFAS categories in the TRI under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA). This action aligns with the requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA), which mandates the identification and management of hazardous chemicals. The proposed listings will require manufacturers, processors, and other users of these PFAS to report any significant releases into the environment.
Reporting Requirements and Thresholds
Under this proposed rule, the reporting threshold for each PFAS would be set at 100 pounds per year. EPA classifies all PFAS included in the proposal as chemicals of special concern, emphasizing the need for stringent reporting due to their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts. These listings will enhance the public’s right to know about environmental releases of PFAS, improving community awareness and regulatory oversight.
Health and Environmental Concerns
PFAS are synthetic compounds known for their persistence and accumulation in the environment. The EPA’s review found that many of these chemicals cause significant chronic health effects, including liver toxicity, reproductive dysfunctions, developmental issues, and thyroid disruption. For instance, exposure to Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), a commonly used PFAS, has been associated with thyroid disorders and developmental delays in animal studies.
The proposed rule underscores the EPA’s commitment to reducing PFAS exposure and safeguarding environmental and public health. Public comments on the rule will be open for 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register. Once the rule is enacted, affected facilities will need to comply with reporting regulations, furthering efforts to track and manage PFAS pollution.
