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As announced in the Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15, the EPA is revising the existing Organic Chemicals, Plastics, and Synthetic Fibers Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards (40 CFR part 414) to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances discharges from facilities manufacturing PFAS.

Statement of Need:

PFAS are a class of chemicals that are difficult to destroy and extremely persistent in the environment. Due to their mobility, they are detected in humans, animals, water, air, and soil across the globe. Exposure to certain PFAS is documented to result in harmful health effects in people and animals. PFAS manufacturer wastewater discharges contain measurable levels of PFAS and there currently are no national limitations on wastewater discharges of PFAS from these facilities. This rulemaking looks to limit the amount of PFAS discharged from PFAS manufacturing facilities, both directly into surface water and indirectly via Publicly Owned Treatment Works.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

The Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 33 U.S.C. 1311, 1314, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1342, and 1361).

Alternatives:

The EPA is evaluating alternatives for this action.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

The EPA is evaluating the anticipated costs and benefits of this action.

Risks:

The EPA is evaluating the risks associated with this action.