National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative: Addressing Exposure to PFAS
Problem
Due to the toxicity and persistence of this class of chemicals, addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination is a priority for EPA, as outlined in EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. OECA is actively involved in both investigation and enforcement in this area.
While the regulatory framework for PFAS continues to develop across multiple statutes, OECA is taking enforcement actions to ensure compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, identifying unauthorized discharges of PFAS without a permit under the Clean Water Act (CWA), addressing imminent and substantial endangerment under all applicable statutes including the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), investigating TSCA noncompliance, and conducting Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) investigations.
Goals
The key goals of the PFAS National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (NECI) are to achieve characterization, control, and compliance for PFAS contamination from major manufacturers, federal facilities, and other industrial parties who significantly contributed to the release of PFAS contamination into the environment.
Overview of Addressing Exposure to PFAS NECI Goals
Goal |
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1 |
Use CERCLA, SDWA, RCRA and CWA authorities to identify and characterize PFAS contamination at and around several PFAS manufacturing/use facilities in the country. |
2 |
Use enforcement oversight effectively to evaluate PFAS characterization and control activities at federal facilities to ensure these facilities meet all environmental obligations and serve as models for the regulated community. |
3 |
Continue to address violations and imminent and substantial endangerment situations by major PFAS manufacturers and federal facilities. |