CHAPTER 115 —PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES AND EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
SUBCHAPTER I—DRINKING WATER
SUBCHAPTER II—PFAS RELEASE DISCLOSURE
SUBCHAPTER III—USGS PERFORMANCE STANDARD
SUBCHAPTER IV—EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
SUBCHAPTER V—OTHER MATTERS
§8901. Definition of Administrator
In this chapter, the term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this title", meaning title LXXIII of
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
SUBCHAPTER I—DRINKING WATER
§8911. Monitoring and detection
(a) Monitoring program for unregulated contaminants
(1) In general
The Administrator shall include each substance described in paragraph (2) in the fifth publication of the list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored under
(2) Substances described
The substances referred to in paragraph (1) are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and classes of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—
(A) for which a method to measure the level in drinking water has been validated by the Administrator; and
(B) that are not subject to a national primary drinking water regulation.
(3) Exception
The perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and classes of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances included in the list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored under
(b) Applicability
(1) In general
The Administrator shall—
(A) require public water systems serving more than 10,000 persons to monitor for the substances described in subsection (a)(2);
(B) subject to paragraph (2) and the availability of appropriations, require public water systems serving not fewer than 3,300 and not more than 10,000 persons to monitor for the substances described in subsection (a)(2); and
(C) subject to paragraph (2) and the availability of appropriations, ensure that only a representative sample of public water systems serving fewer than 3,300 persons are required to monitor for the substances described in subsection (a)(2).
(2) Requirement
If the Administrator determines that there is not sufficient laboratory capacity to carry out the monitoring required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive the monitoring requirements in those subparagraphs.
(3) Funds
The Administrator shall pay the reasonable cost of such testing and laboratory analysis as is necessary to carry out the monitoring required under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1) using—
(A) funds made available pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(H) or subsection (j)(5) of
(B) any other funds made available for that purpose.
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SUBCHAPTER II—PFAS RELEASE DISCLOSURE
§8921. Additions to toxics release inventory
(a) Definition of toxics release inventory
In this section, the term "toxics release inventory" means the list of toxic chemicals subject to the requirements of
(b) Immediate inclusion
(1) In general
Subject to subsection (e), beginning January 1 of the calendar year following December 20, 2019, the following chemicals shall be deemed to be included in the toxics release inventory:
(A) Perfluorooctanoic acid (commonly referred to as "PFOA") (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 335–67–1).
(B) The salts associated with the chemical described in subparagraph (A) (Chemical Abstracts Service Nos. 3825–26–1, 335–95–5, and 68141–02–6).
(C) Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (commonly referred to as "PFOS") (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 1763–23–1).
(D) The salts associated with the chemical described in subparagraph (C) (Chemical Abstracts Service Nos. 2795–39–3, 29457–72–5, 56773–42–3, 29081–56–9, and 70225–14–8).
(E) A perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances that is—
(i) listed as an active chemical substance in the February 2019 update to the inventory under
(ii) on December 20, 2019, subject to the provisions of—
(I) section 721.9582 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations; or
(II) section 721.10536 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
(F) Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (commonly referred to as "GenX") (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 13252–13–6).
(G) The compound associated with the chemical described in subparagraph (F) identified by Chemical Abstracts Service No. 62037–80–3.
(H) Perfluorononanoic acid (commonly referred to as "PFNA") (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 375–95–1).
(I) Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (commonly referred to as "PFHxS") (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 355–46–4).
(2) Threshold for reporting
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the threshold for reporting the chemicals described in paragraph (1) under
(B) Revisions
Not later than 5 years after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall—
(i) determine whether revision of the threshold under subparagraph (A) is warranted for any chemical described in paragraph (1); and
(ii) if the Administrator determines a revision to be warranted under clause (i), initiate a revision under
(c) Inclusion following assessment
(1) In general
(A) Date of inclusion
Subject to subsection (e), notwithstanding
(i) Final toxicity value
The date on which the Administrator finalizes a toxicity value for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(ii) Significant new use rule
The date on which the Administrator makes a covered determination for the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(iii) Addition to existing significant new use rule
The date on which the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances is added to a list of substances covered by a covered determination.
(iv) Addition as active chemical substance
The date on which the perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances to which a covered determination applies is—
(I) added to the list published under paragraph (1) of
(II) designated as an active chemical substance on such list under paragraph (5)(B) of such section.
(B) Covered determination
For purposes of this paragraph, a covered determination is a determination made, by rule, under
(2) Threshold for reporting
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), notwithstanding subsection (f)(1) of
(B) Revisions
Not later than 5 years after the date on which a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances is included in the toxics release inventory under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—
(i) determine whether revision of the threshold under subparagraph (A) is warranted for the substance or class of substances; and
(ii) if the Administrator determines a revision to be warranted under clause (i), initiate a revision under
(d) Inclusion following determination
(1) In general
Not later than 2 years after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall determine whether the substances and classes of substances described in paragraph (2) meet any one of the criteria described in
(2) Substances described
The substances and classes of substances referred to in paragraph (1) are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and classes of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances not described in subsection (b)(1), including—
(A) perfluoro[(2-pentafluoroethoxy-ethoxy)acetic acid] ammonium salt (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 908020–52–0);
(B) 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro 2–(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro)–2–(trifluoromethoxy) propanoyl fluoride (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 2479–75–6);
(C) 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro 2–(1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro)–2–(trifluoromethoxy) propionic acid (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 2479–73–4);
(D) 3H-perfluoro-3-[(3-methoxy-propoxy) propanoic acid] (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 919005–14–4);
(E) the salts associated with the chemical described in subparagraph (D) (Chemical Abstracts Service Nos. 958445–44–8, 1087271–46–2, and NOCAS 892452);
(F) 1-octanesulfonic acid 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-tridecafluoro-potassium salt (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 59587–38–1);
(G) perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 375–73–5);
(H) 1–Butanesulfonic acid, 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluoro-potassium salt (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 29420–49–3);
(I) the component associated with the chemical described in subparagraph (H) (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 45187–15–3);
(J) heptafluorobutyric acid (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 375–22–4);
(K) perfluorohexanoic acid (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 307–24–4);
(L) the compound associated with the chemical described in subsection (b)(1)(F) identified by Chemical Abstracts Service No. 2062–98–8;
(M) perfluoroheptanoic acid (commonly referred to as "PFHpA") (Chemical Abstracts Service No. 375–85–9);
(N) each perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances for which a method to measure levels in drinking water has been validated by the Administrator; and
(O) a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances other than the chemicals described in subparagraphs (A) through (N) that is used to manufacture fluorinated polymers, as determined by the Administrator.
(3) Addition to toxics release inventory
Subject to subsection (e), if the Administrator determines under paragraph (1) that a substance or a class of substances described in paragraph (2) meets any one of the criteria described in
(e) Confidential business information
(1) In general
Prior to including on the toxics release inventory pursuant to subsection (b)(1), (c)(1), or (d)(3) any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances the chemical identity of which is subject to a claim of a person of protection from disclosure under subsection (a) of
(A) review any such claim of protection from disclosure; and
(B) require that person to reassert and substantiate or resubstantiate that claim in accordance with
(2) Nondisclosure of protection information
If the Administrator determines that the chemical identity of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance or class of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances qualifies for protection from disclosure pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator shall include the substance or class of substances, as applicable, on the toxics release inventory in a manner that does not disclose the protected information.
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Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of section 7321 of
SUBCHAPTER III—USGS PERFORMANCE STANDARD
§8931. Definitions
In this subchapter:
(1) Director
The term "Director" means the Director of the United States Geological Survey.
(2) Highly fluorinated compound
(A) In general
The term "highly fluorinated compound" means a perfluoroalkyl substance or a polyfluoroalkyl substance with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.
(B) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Fully fluorinated carbon atom
The term "fully fluorinated carbon atom" means a carbon atom on which all the hydrogen substituents have been replaced by fluorine.
(ii) Perfluoroalkyl substance
The term "perfluoroalkyl substance" means a chemical of which all of the carbon atoms are fully fluorinated carbon atoms.
(iii) Polyfluoroalkyl substance
The term "polyfluoroalkyl substance" means a chemical containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom and at least one carbon atom that is not a fully fluorinated carbon atom.
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§8932. Performance standard for the detection of highly fluorinated compounds
(a) In general
The Director, in consultation with the Administrator, shall establish a performance standard for the detection of highly fluorinated compounds.
(b) Emphasis
(1) In general
In developing the performance standard under subsection (a), the Director shall emphasize the ability to detect as many highly fluorinated compounds present in the environment as possible using validated analytical methods that—
(A) achieve limits of quantitation (as defined in the document of the United States Geological Survey entitled "Analytical Methods for Chemical Analysis of Geologic and Other Materials, U.S. Geological Survey" and dated 2002); and
(B) are as sensitive as is feasible and practicable.
(2) Requirement
In developing the performance standard under subsection (a), the Director may—
(A) develop quality assurance and quality control measures to ensure accurate sampling and testing;
(B) develop a training program with respect to the appropriate method of sample collection and analysis of highly fluorinated compounds; and
(C) coordinate as necessary with the Administrator, including, if appropriate, to develop methods to detect individual and different highly fluorinated compounds simultaneously.
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§8933. Nationwide sampling
(a) In general
The Director shall carry out a nationwide sampling to determine the concentration of highly fluorinated compounds in estuaries, lakes, streams, springs, wells, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and soil using the performance standard developed under
(b) Requirements
In carrying out the sampling under subsection (a), the Director shall—
(1) first carry out the sampling at sources of drinking water near locations with known or suspected releases of highly fluorinated compounds;
(2) when carrying out sampling of sources of drinking water under paragraph (1), carry out the sampling prior to and, at the request of the Administrator, after any treatment of the water;
(3) survey for ecological exposure to highly fluorinated compounds, with a priority in determining direct human exposure through drinking water; and
(4) consult with—
(A) States to determine areas that are a priority for sampling; and
(B) the Administrator—
(i) to enhance coverage of the sampling; and
(ii) to avoid unnecessary duplication.
(c) Report
Not later than 120 days after the completion of the sampling under subsection (a), the Director shall prepare a report describing the results of the sampling and submit the report to—
(1) the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;
(2) the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives;
(3) the Senators of each State in which the Director carried out the sampling; and
(4) each Member of the House of Representatives who represents a district in which the Director carried out the sampling.
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§8934. Data usage
(a) In general
The Director shall provide the sampling data collected under
(1) the Administrator; and
(2) other Federal and State regulatory agencies on request.
(b) Usage
The sampling data provided under subsection (a) shall be used to inform and enhance assessments of exposure, likely health and environmental impacts, and remediation priorities.
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§8935. Collaboration
In carrying out this subchapter, the Director shall collaborate with—
(1) appropriate Federal and State regulators;
(2) institutions of higher education;
(3) research institutions; and
(4) other expert stakeholders.
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SUBCHAPTER IV—EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
§8951. Definitions
In this subchapter:
(1) Contaminant
The term "contaminant" means any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.
(2) Contaminant of emerging concern; emerging contaminant
The terms "contaminant of emerging concern" and "emerging contaminant" mean a contaminant—
(A) for which the Administrator has not promulgated a national primary drinking water regulation; and
(B) that may have an adverse effect on the health of individuals.
(3) Federal research strategy
The term "Federal research strategy" means the coordinated cross-agency plan for addressing critical research gaps related to detecting, assessing exposure to, and identifying the adverse health effects of emerging contaminants in drinking water developed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to the report of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate accompanying S. 1662 of the 115th Congress (S. Rept. 115–139).
(4) Technical assistance and support
The term "technical assistance and support" includes—
(A) assistance with—
(i) identifying appropriate analytical methods for the detection of contaminants;
(ii) understanding the strengths and limitations of the analytical methods described in clause (i);
(iii) troubleshooting the analytical methods described in clause (i);
(B) providing advice on laboratory certification program elements;
(C) interpreting sample analysis results;
(D) providing training with respect to proper analytical techniques;
(E) identifying appropriate technology for the treatment of contaminants; and
(F) analyzing samples, if—
(i) the analysis cannot be otherwise 1 obtained in a practicable manner otherwise; 1 and
(ii) the capability and capacity to perform the analysis is available at a Federal facility.
(5) Working Group
The term "Working Group" means the Working Group established under
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Editorial Notes
References in Text
S. 1662 of the 115th Congress, referred to in par. (3), is the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018, which became div. B of
§8952. Research and coordination plan for enhanced response on emerging contaminants
(a) In general
The Administrator shall—
(1) review Federal efforts—
(A) to identify, monitor, and assist in the development of treatment methods for emerging contaminants; and
(B) to assist States in responding to the human health risks posed by contaminants of emerging concern; and
(2) in collaboration with owners and operators of public water systems, States, and other interested stakeholders, establish a strategic plan for improving the Federal efforts referred to in paragraph (1).
(b) Interagency Working Group on emerging contaminants
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2019, the Administrator and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall jointly establish a Working Group to coordinate the activities of the Federal Government to identify and analyze the public health effects of drinking water contaminants of emerging concern.
(2) Membership
The Working Group shall include representatives of the following:
(A) The Environmental Protection Agency, appointed by the Administrator.
(B) The following agencies, appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services:
(i) The National Institutes of Health.
(ii) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(iii) The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
(C) The United States Geological Survey, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.
(D) Any other Federal agency the assistance of which the Administrator determines to be necessary to carry out this subsection, appointed by the head of the respective agency.
(3) Existing working group
The Administrator may expand or modify the duties of an existing working group to perform the duties of the Working Group under this subsection.
(c) National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative
(1) Federal research strategy
(A) In general
Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2019, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (referred to in this subsection as the "Director") shall coordinate with the heads of the agencies described in subparagraph (C) to establish a research initiative, to be known as the "National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative", that shall—
(i) use the Federal research strategy to improve the identification, analysis, monitoring, and treatment methods of contaminants of emerging concern; and
(ii) develop any necessary program, policy, or budget to support the implementation of the Federal research strategy, including mechanisms for joint agency review of research proposals, for interagency cofunding of research activities, and for information sharing across agencies.
(B) Research on emerging contaminants
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Director shall—
(i) take into consideration consensus conclusions from peer-reviewed, pertinent research on emerging contaminants; and
(ii) in consultation with the Administrator, identify priority emerging contaminants for research emphasis.
(C) Federal participation
The agencies referred to in subparagraph (A) include—
(i) the National Science Foundation;
(ii) the National Institutes of Health;
(iii) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(iv) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(v) the United States Geological Survey; and
(vi) any other Federal agency that contributes to research in water quality, environmental exposures, and public health, as determined by the Director.
(D) Participation from additional entities
In carrying out subparagraph (A), the Director shall consult with nongovernmental organizations, State and local governments, and science and research institutions determined by the Director to have scientific or material interest in the National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative.
(2) Implementation of research recommendations
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Director and heads of the agencies described in paragraph (1)(C) establish the National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative under paragraph (1)(A), the head of each agency described in paragraph (1)(C) shall—
(i) issue a solicitation for research proposals consistent with the Federal research strategy and that agency's mission; and
(ii) make grants to applicants that submit research proposals consistent with the Federal research strategy and in accordance with subparagraph (B).
(B) Selection of research proposals
The head of each agency described in paragraph (1)(C) shall select research proposals to receive grants under this paragraph on the basis of merit, using criteria identified by the head of each such agency, including the likelihood that the proposed research will result in significant progress toward achieving the objectives identified in the Federal research strategy.
(C) Eligible entities
Any entity or group of 2 or more entities may submit to the head of each agency described in paragraph (1)(C) a research proposal in response to the solicitation for research proposals described in subparagraph (A)(i), including, consistent with that agency's grant policies—
(i) State and local agencies;
(ii) public institutions, including public institutions of higher education;
(iii) private corporations; and
(iv) nonprofit organizations.
(d) Federal technical assistance and support for States
(1) Study
(A) In general
Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall conduct a study on actions the Administrator can take to increase technical assistance and support for States with respect to emerging contaminants in drinking water samples.
(B) Contents of study
In carrying out the study described in subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall identify—
(i) methods and effective treatment options to increase technical assistance and support with respect to emerging contaminants to States, including identifying opportunities for States to improve communication with various audiences about the risks associated with emerging contaminants;
(ii) means to facilitate access to qualified contract testing laboratory facilities that conduct analyses for emerging contaminants; and
(iii) actions to be carried out at existing Federal laboratory facilities, including the research facilities of the Administrator, to provide technical assistance and support for States that require testing facilities for emerging contaminants.
(C) Availability of analytical resources
In carrying out the study described in subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall consider—
(i) the availability of—
(I) Federal and non-Federal laboratory capacity; and
(II) validated methods to detect and analyze contaminants; and
(ii) other factors determined to be appropriate by the Administrator.
(2) Report
Not later than 18 months after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the study described in paragraph (1).
(3) Program to provide Federal assistance to States
(A) In general
Not later than 3 years after December 20, 2019, based on the findings in the report described in paragraph (2), the Administrator shall develop a program to provide technical assistance and support to eligible States for the testing and analysis of emerging contaminants.
(B) Application
(i) In general
To be eligible for technical assistance and support under this paragraph, a State shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require.
(ii) Criteria
The Administrator shall evaluate an application for technical assistance and support under this paragraph on the basis of merit using criteria identified by the Administrator, including—
(I) the laboratory facilities available to the State;
(II) the availability and applicability of existing analytical methodologies;
(III) the potency and severity of the emerging contaminant, if known; and
(IV) the prevalence and magnitude of the emerging contaminant.
(iii) Prioritization
In selecting States to receive technical assistance and support under this paragraph, the Administrator—
(I) shall give priority to States with affected areas primarily in financially distressed communities;
(II) may—
(aa) waive the application process in an emergency situation; and
(bb) require an abbreviated application process for the continuation of work specified in a previously approved application that continues to meet the criteria described in clause (ii); and
(III) shall consider the relative expertise and availability of—
(aa) Federal and non-Federal laboratory capacity available to the State;
(bb) analytical resources available to the State; and
(cc) other types of technical assistance available to the State.
(C) Database of available resources
The Administrator shall establish and maintain a database of resources available through the program developed under subparagraph (A) to assist States with testing for emerging contaminants that—
(i) is—
(I) available to States and stakeholder groups determined by the Administrator to have scientific or material interest in emerging contaminants, including—
(aa) drinking water and wastewater utilities;
(bb) laboratories;
(cc) Federal and State emergency responders;
(dd) State primacy agencies;
(ee) public health agencies; and
(ff) water associations;
(II) searchable; and
(III) accessible through the website of the Administrator; and
(ii) includes a description of—
(I) qualified contract testing laboratory facilities that conduct analyses for emerging contaminants; and
(II) the resources available in Federal laboratory facilities to test for emerging contaminants.
(D) Water contaminant information tool
The Administrator shall integrate the database established under subparagraph (C) into the Water Contaminant Information Tool of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(4) Funding
Of the amounts available to the Administrator, the Administrator may use not more than $15,000,000 in a fiscal year to carry out this subsection.
(e) Report
Not less frequently than once every 2 years until 2029, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the progress made in carrying out this subchapter.
(f) Effect
Nothing in this section modifies any obligation of a State, local government, or Indian Tribe with respect to treatment methods for, or testing or monitoring of, drinking water.
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SUBCHAPTER V—OTHER MATTERS
§8961. PFAS destruction and disposal guidance
(a) In general
Not later than 1 year after December 20, 2019, the Administrator shall publish interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and materials containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including—
(1) aqueous film-forming foam;
(2) soil and biosolids;
(3) textiles, other than consumer goods, treated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances;
(4) spent filters, membranes, resins, granular carbon, and other waste from water treatment;
(5) landfill leachate containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
(6) solid, liquid, or gas waste streams containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances from facilities manufacturing or using perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(b) Considerations; inclusions
The interim guidance under subsection (a) shall—
(1) take into consideration—
(A) the potential for releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances during destruction or disposal, including through volatilization, air dispersion, or leachate; and
(B) potentially vulnerable populations living near likely destruction or disposal sites; and
(2) provide guidance on testing and monitoring air, effluent, and soil near potential destruction or disposal sites for releases described in paragraph (1)(A).
(c) Revisions
The Administrator shall publish revisions to the interim guidance under subsection (a) as the Administrator determines to be appropriate, but not less frequently than once every 3 years.
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§8962. PFAS research and development
(a) In general
The Administrator, acting through the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development, shall—
(1)(A) further examine the effects of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances on human health and the environment; and
(B) make publicly available information relating to the findings under subparagraph (A);
(2) develop a process for prioritizing which perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or classes of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, should be subject to additional research efforts that is based on—
(A) the potential for human exposure to the substances or classes of substances;
(B) the potential toxicity of the substances or classes of substances; and
(C) information available about the substances or classes of substances;
(3) develop new tools to characterize and identify perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment, including in drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater, solids, and the air;
(4) evaluate approaches for the remediation of contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment; and
(5) develop and implement new tools and materials to communicate with the public about perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(b) Funding
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.
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§8963. Interagency body on research related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(a) Establishment
The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, acting through the National Science and Technology Council, shall establish, or designate, an interagency working group to coordinate Federal activities related to PFAS research and development.
(b) Agency participation
The interagency working group shall include a representative of each of—
(1) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(2) the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
(3) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry;
(4) the National Science Foundation;
(5) the Department of Defense;
(6) the National Institutes of Health;
(7) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(8) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(9) the Department of the Interior;
(10) the Department of Transportation;
(11) the Department of Homeland Security;
(12) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(13) the National Toxicology Program;
(14) the Department of Agriculture;
(15) the Geological Survey;
(16) the Department of Commerce;
(17) the Department of Energy;
(18) the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs;
(19) the Office of Management and Budget; and
(20) any such other Federal department or agency as the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy considers appropriate.
(c) Co-chairs
The Interagency working group shall be co-chaired by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and, on a biannual rotating basis, a representative from a member agency, as selected by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(d) Responsibilities of the working group
The interagency working group established under subsection (a) shall—
(1) provide for interagency coordination of federally funded PFAS research and development; and
(2) not later than 12 months after January 1, 2021, develop and make publicly available a strategic plan for Federal support for PFAS research and development (to be updated not less frequently than once every three years) that—
(A) identifies all current federally funded PFAS research and development, including the nature and scope of such research and development and the amount of funding associated with such research and development during the current fiscal year, disaggregated by agency;
(B) identifies all federally funded PFAS research and development having taken place in the last three years, excluding the research listed under subparagraph (A), including the nature and scope of such research and development and the amount of funding associated with such research and development during the current fiscal year, disaggregated by agency;
(C) identifies scientific and technological challenges that must be addressed to understand and to significantly reduce the environmental and human health impacts of PFAS and to identify cost-effective—
(i) alternatives to PFAS that are designed to be safer and more environmentally friendly;
(ii) methods for removal of PFAS from the environment; and
(iii) methods to safely destroy or degrade PFAS;
(D) establishes goals, priorities, and metrics for federally funded PFAS research and development that takes into account the current state of research and development identified in subparagraph (A) and the challenges identified in subparagraph (C); and
(E) an implementation plan for Federal agencies and, for each update to the strategic plan under this paragraph, a description of how Federal agencies have been following the implementation plan.
(e) Consultation
In developing the strategic plan under subsection (d)(2), the interagency working group shall consult with States, tribes, territories, local governments, appropriate industries, academic institutions and nongovernmental organizations with expertise in PFAS research and development, treatment, management, and alternative development.
(f) Sunset
The strategic plan requirement described under section 1 (d)(2) shall cease on the date that is 20 years after the initial strategic plan is developed.
(g) Definitions
In this section:
(1) PFAS
The term "PFAS" means—
(A) man-made chemicals of which all of the carbon atoms are fully fluorinated carbon atoms; and
(B) man-made chemicals containing a mix of fully fluorinated carbon atoms, partially fluorinated carbon atoms, and nonfluorinated carbon atoms.
(2) PFAS research and development defined
The term "PFAS research and development" includes any research or project that has the goal of accomplishing the following:
(A) The removal of PFAS from the environment.
(B) The safe destruction or degradation of PFAS.
(C) The development and deployment of safer and more environmentally friendly alternative substances that are functionally similar to those made with PFAS.
(D) The understanding of sources of environmental PFAS contamination and pathways to exposure for the public.
(E) The understanding of the toxicity of PFAS to humans and animals.
(
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, and not as part of the PFAS Act of 2019 which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Guaranteeing Equipment Safety for Firefighters
"(a)
"(b)
"(1)
"(2)
"(A) the identity, prevalence, and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as 'PFAS') in the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters;
"(B) the conditions and extent to which per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are released into the environment over time from the degradation of personal protective equipment from normal use by firefighters; and
"(C) the relative risk of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances faced by firefighters from—
"(i) their use of personal protective equipment; and
"(ii) degradation of personal protective equipment from normal use by firefighters.
"(3)
"(A)
"(B)
"(i) the findings of the Director with respect to the study; and
"(ii) recommendations on what additional research or technical improvements to personal protective equipment materials or components should be pursued to avoid unnecessary occupational exposure among firefighters to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances through personal protective equipment.
"(4)
"(c)
"(1)
"(A) issue a solicitation for research proposals to carry out the research recommendations identified in the report submitted under subsection (b)(3)(B); and
"(B) award grants to applicants that submit research proposals to develop safe alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in personal protective equipment.
"(2)
"(3)
"(A) State and local agencies;
"(B) public institutions, including public institutions of higher education;
"(C) private corporations; and
"(D) nonprofit organizations.
"(4)
"(d)