Following the listing of prominent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances earlier this year, the regulated community has been concerned about the lack of “clear and consistent guidelines” for managing these chemicals. As part of a coalition, AGC offered feedback (see Oct. 15 letter) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the agency to update and finalize its interim guidance on the disposal and destruction of PFAS.
AGC and its coalition partners offered several recommendations to the agency:
- Engage with stakeholders on destruction methods via a working group;
- Improve clarity on the types of PFAS the interim guidance addresses;
- Leverage existing technologies and recognize the need for low risk, cost-effective technologies in this area;
- Provide flexibility to ensure a wide range of disposal and destruction methods;
- Promote circular solutions when possible (e.g., beneficial use, reuse); and
- Address the limited hazardous waste landfill capacity, among other recommendations.
Help AGC Provide Meaningful Resources for Members
In the coming months, AGC will be developing resources for members related to managing their risks related to PFAS. If you are interested in participating in a task force to help develop these resources, please reach out to Melinda Tomaino at melinda.tomaino@agc.org by December 13th. Members will review and provide feedback on draft materials as well as share best practices and examples to help other contractors understand how PFAS policies could impact their projects and business.
For more information, contact Melinda Tomaino at melinda.tomaino@agc.org.