Michael Phillis, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two former officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that the Trump administration delayed a study aimed at identifying industries that release harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their wastewater. The survey, which is the first of its kind, was submitted to the White House for approval nearly two years ago during the Biden administration, indicating an unusually long wait for approval.
Many wastewater treatment plants handle PFAS-contaminated waste. A nationwide survey of these plants would assist in pinpointing the sources of PFAS, potentially informing new regulations to limit their spread. Robert Wood, who directed the engineering and analysis division in the EPA's Office of Water until his retirement in 2024, emphasized the importance of identifying the top industries responsible for PFAS discharge to develop regulations.
PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including increased cancer risk and developmental effects in children. These chemicals, which were commonly used in products such as waterproof shoes and nonstick pans, are prevalent in the environment and difficult to eliminate. Wastewater treatment plants often lack the capability to remove PFAS, resulting in their return to rivers and soil.
The survey was submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in October 2024. Stuart Shapiro, a former OMB staffer, noted that the prolonged review period is unusual, as such reviews typically take around 60 days. The OMB did not respond to requests for comment.
The Trump administration has publicly committed to addressing PFAS issues, maintaining some Biden-era limits on certain PFAS in drinking water, and supporting efforts to find removal methods. However, they have faced criticism from environmentalists for perceived leniency towards industry interests. Critics pointed out that the administration delayed significant drinking water limits and abandoned a Biden-era initiative aimed at reducing PFAS in wastewater from specific chemical manufacturers, opting to restart the regulatory process.
The Biden-era EPA has indicated that reliable data on PFAS in industrial wastewater is often inaccessible or inconsistent. The proposed survey aims to gather information from hundreds of wastewater treatment plants regarding their practices and the industrial sources of waste they process.
Betsy Southerland, a former leader in the EPA's Office of Water, remarked that had the survey been initiated promptly, results would already be available. She expressed concern about whether there is a genuine commitment to addressing PFAS or if the regulatory process is being hindered to avoid disrupting the chemical industry.
The survey also intends to collect data on PFAS in biosolids, which are the treated solids produced by wastewater treatment plants and often used as fertilizer on agricultural fields. Recent studies have begun to explore the health implications of using PFAS-contaminated biosolids in agriculture. The Biden-era EPA released a draft report highlighting concerns, which Trump officials criticized for alleged flaws, including the absence of a national survey on PFAS in biosolids.
David Andrews, chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, noted the contradiction in the Trump administration's stance on biosolid risk assessments, which criticized the lack of an EPA-run national occurrence study while the necessary survey remains unapproved at the OMB.
The EPA stated that much of its PFAS-related work began during the first Trump administration and reiterated its commitment to protecting Americans from PFAS exposure through a comprehensive strategy. However, they did not clarify their current support for the survey but mentioned ongoing efforts to establish regulations to reduce PFAS in wastewater from certain manufacturers.
A representative from public wastewater agencies questioned the necessity of the survey, arguing that sufficient data on PFAS in wastewater has already been collected in recent years. Cynthia Finley, director of regulatory affairs at the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, suggested that the EPA should utilize existing data rather than conduct a new, costly survey.
Michigan has gathered similar data independently, having previously limited PFAS discharges from wastewater treatment plants. Anne Tavalire, who works on PFAS reduction in Michigan, noted that this data has led to significant reductions in PFAS releases into the environment and biosolids.
Kelly Ryerson, an activist with the