Pruebas y mitigación de PFAS
Este proyecto implementa una iniciativa integral de análisis y mitigación de PFAS, que aborda los posibles contaminantes en las fuentes de agua. Este programa tiene como objetivo proteger la calidad del agua y la salud pública mediante medidas proactivas.
Estado del proyecto: según lo previsto
The term PFAS describes a class of compounds commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” as they do not break down and remain constant in the environment through the water and land. PFAS can be found in products and materials used regularly by most citizens, such as lotion, wax paper, water bottles, cleaning products, non-stick cookware, floss, and more.
See the latest information about PFAS from the US EPA at https://www.epa.gov/pfas
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On June 15, 2022, the US EPA announced the new Interim Health Advisory Levels (HAL’s) for PFOA and PFOS. Water utilities, such as SGWASA, are “passive receivers” of PFAS. SGWASA does not produce nor manufacture PFAS. Instead, the PFAS chemicals are present in source waters that are treated to produce drinking water.
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At the September 13, 2022 Board of Directors meeting, representatives David Briley, PE and Alex Domrzalski, PE from Hazen provided a presentation entitled: PFAS, What is it? The presentation provided the Board members and the public the opportunity to learn more about PFAS.
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In the Fall of 2023, SGWASA received a $5M appropriation (grant) from the state budget for infrastructure upgrades. The grant is being administered by the NCDEQ. Based on the recent information presented by the USEPA regarding the PFAS compliance deadlines, I recommend the $5M grant be allocated to the PFAS compliance program (engineering/construction), thus allowing SGWASA to keep the PFAS removal project compliance schedule on track with the USEPA requirements. The topic of dedicating this grant to the PFAS reduction project will be discussed by the Board of Directors at a future Board meeting.