PFAS In Biosolids Officially Classified as Hazardous Under CERCLA

As of July 8th, 2024, PFAS, PFOAS, and PFOS chemicals are classified as hazardous substances under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act). The full report can be found at this link.

 

This quote from the ruling summary shows the strong public help view taken by the EPA ont this designation:

 

"CERCLA designation will help protect public health and the environment from potentially harmful exposure to these chemicals and will provide tools to hold polluters accountable. Designation enables cost recovery and enforcement authorities to address PFOA and PFOS releases, which ensures that the polluters pay for investigations and cleanup."

 

Designations like this are integral to moving industries forward and cleaning up polluting practices as we learn about the harmful effects of PFAS in soils and water, but adapting to these changes are not easy! The attached PDF is the summarized EPA guidance on management methods for biosolids that can help mitigate the PFAS issue. This guidance lists thermal processes like pyrolysis as one solution for managing PFAS laden biosolids.

 

Bioforcetech is proud to offer a system published by the EPA to destroy PFAS in biosolids, offering PFAS and CEC free OurCarbon. We look forward to continued testing of this process to inform the entire biosolids management industry on new options for treatment and management. 

 

For interim guidance on how to begin to adjust to this new designation and prepare for further regulatory changes, see this link to the official interim guidance.