Dissent at DEC emerges over roll-back of PFAS regulations
The Dunleavy administration’s decision to redefine PFAS levels considered safe in drinking water has caused dissension among a senior staffer working on contaminated sites. Lawmakers are scheduled to hold a hearing on the issue later this week.
The Department of Environmental Conservation has quietly reclassified how it measures per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination in ground water. In April, the state agency said it would test for fewer chemicals to determine whether well water is safe to drink.
The shift in policy won’t affect the thousands of households whose wells have elevated PFAS levels and receive alternative water supplies from the state. But going forward, DEC would use the new, less-stringent standards before providing supplemental water.
The move was panned by environmental groups pointing to fears of long-term health effects in people and the environment.
Read more: https://www.alaskapublic.org/2019/05/09/dissent-at-dec-emerges-over-roll-back-of-pfas-regulations/
DEC”s map of known PFAS-contaminated sites in Alaska. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances chemicals are found in some firefighting foams and a wide range of consumer products. Exposure has been linked to adverse health effects. (Image courtesy of Department of Environmental Conservation)