Much Still Unknown about PFAS Destruction and Disposal

January 1, 2021

Read the full article by the National Law Review

"EPA has released for public comment guidance on destruction and disposal of certain PFAS and PFAS-Containing Materials. This guidance, published Dec. 18, 2020, highlights how much is still unknown about how to effectively remove these materials from the environment. As characterized by EPA, “This interim guidance serves as a baseline of destruction and disposal capabilities and uncertainties.”

EPA was required to publish the guidance under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA). The guidance is not a rule or a statement of EPA policy. It is intended to provide a manager of PFAS-containing materials with information on commercially available technologies that may be feasible and effective in meeting the goals of PFAS destruction or control of PFAS mitigation into the environment. The guidance also takes into account the possible impact of PFAS disposal on potentially vulnerable populations living near disposal facilities.

This is interim guidance, as ongoing research is being conducted to address the data gaps regarding PFAS destruction and disposal technologies. The NDAA requires that EPA revise the guidance as the EPA determines to be appropriate, but not less frequently than once every three years. The deadline to submit comments on the interim guidance is February 22, 2021."