DEFINITION
Adherence to regulatory requirements governing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - synthetic chemicals known for environmental persistence.
PFAS compliance refers to adherence to regulatory requirements governing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - a class of synthetic chemicals known for environmental persistence. The EPA's 2024 final rule established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds, with compliance deadlines extending through 2026-2029.
Key Regulatory Thresholds (EPA 2024 Final Rule)
| Compound | MCL (ppt) | Compliance Date |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 4.0 | 2029 |
| PFOS | 4.0 | 2029 |
| PFHxS | 10.0 | 2029 |
| PFNA | 10.0 | 2029 |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 10.0 | 2029 |
Impact on Industry
Facilities with historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), metal finishing operations, or plastics manufacturing must characterize their discharge immediately. Although the MCLs apply technically to drinking water systems, they inevitably drive the discharge limits for upstream industrial users (Source Control).