Protecting the public from PFAS: how Raftelis can help

• CERCLA PFAS Enforcement Discretion (April 2024) and Final CERCLA Hazardous Substance Designation for PFOA/PFOS (May 2024): These actions enhance the EPA’s authority to hold companies accountable for PFAS use, control, and cleanup. However, they also present substantial financial challenges for utilities. 
• Final National Drinking Water Regulation for Certain PFAS (April 2024): This newly established rule sets enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds, improving water safety but at a cost. Affected water utilities may need to comply with these new treatment standards starting in 2027. 

• Pending National Effluent Limits and Pretreatment Standards for Landfills: Expected to be finalized by mid-2025, these proposed regulations aim to control PFAS discharges from landfill leachate.

While these regulations aim to protect public health and the environment, they also introduce substantial challenges for utilities, municipalities, and the private sector. Raftelis is here to help you navigate these complexities with tailored solutions. 

How we can power your approach to PFAS  

Our consultants offer a range of services designed to help utilities and localities address the challenges posed by PFAS contamination. Our expertise includes: 

• Comprehensive Financial Assistance for PFAS Compliance: We can perform in-depth analyses of all costs associated with PFAS compliance, including capital expenditures, operational expenses, and long-term liabilities. By evaluating both direct and indirect financial impacts, we help identify opportunities to optimize costs and ensure compliance without overburdening your budget. In addition to helping you recover compliance costs, we will take into account potential legal settlements and ensure your agency’s financial sustainability for the future. Our recommendations are tailored to your specific service area, considering factors such as community demographics, usage patterns, and potential regulatory changes. Additionally, we’ll help identify funding opportunities, grants, and financing options to further ease the financial burden of PFAS compliance. 

• Public Outreach and Communication Plans: We will work with you to create effective communication strategies that raise public awareness about PFAS risks and foster trust in your response. For example, we helped Ridgewood Water craft impactful outreach materials that reassured their customers of their comprehensive approach to addressing PFAS. This has played a key role in rebuilding trust and gaining support for the necessary investments. 

The pervasive and enduring presence of PFAS has resulted in widespread contamination, raising serious concerns for both public health and the environment. Addressing this issue requires urgent and coordinated action from governments, researchers, and industry leaders. The path forward requires robust regulatory frameworks, corporate accountability, innovative research and development of alternatives, and heightened public awareness and advocacy. We are dedicated to helping clients tackle PFAS contamination across water, wastewater, and solid waste management. Leveraging our deep expertise and holistic approach, we guide clients through the complexities of regulatory compliance while identifying effective solutions.

To explore how we may help you, contact Morgan McCarthy at mmccarthy@raftelis.com.