Category: Reference

Repository for general reference documents

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Occurrence and Contaminant Background Support Document for the Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA 815-R-24-013
April, 2024

Executive Summary

On March 3, 2021 (86 FR 12272; USEPA, 2021a), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to regulate perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

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Human Health Toxicity Assessment for Perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA) and Related Salts

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Document No. 815R24008
April, 2024

Overview of Background Information and Systematic Review Protocol

The methods used to conduct the systematic review for PFOA are consistent with the methods described in the draft and final EPA ORD Staff Handbook for Developing IRIS Assessments (U.S. EPA, 2022b, 2020a) (hereafter referred to as the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Handbook) and a companion publication (Thayer et al., 2022).

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Tire anti-degradant (6PPD) and 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ)

Department of Ecology

Icon showing a tire and tire dust.

6PPD is a chemical that prevents automotive tires from degrading (i.e., breaking down) and helps them last longer. When 6PPD is exposed to air, it reacts with ozone to create 6PPD-quinone (also known as 6PPDQ). 6PPDQ is lethal to coho salmon and can contaminate water systems.

We work with Tribal and local governments, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and industrial organizations to reduce the pollution and sources of 6PPDQ released from tires in Washington.

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Link to DOE article

Guidance for Investigating and Remediating PFAS Contamination in Washington State

Department of Ecology
June, 2023

A brief history of PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are collectively known as PFAS. The group comprises thousands of unique synthetic organic chemicals that are extremely stable and persistent. Commercially manufactured since the 1940s, PFAS compounds have been used in manufacturing common consumer products, such as carpeting, clothing, furniture, outdoor equipment, and food packaging. Many industries have also used PFAS, including aerospace, automotive, aviation, electronics, and medical industries. One major source of PFAS contamination is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which is used for fire training and extinguishing petroleum fires and other flammable liquids.

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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Chemical Action Plan

Department of Ecology
September 2022

Executive Summary

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 9,000 synthetic organic chemicals. PFAS can withstand high temperatures and survive highly corrosive environments. They are used in the manufacture of coatings, surface treatments, and specialty chemicals in cookware, carpets, food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and other common consumer products. PFAS also have many industrial applications and are an active ingredient in certain types of fire- fighting foams (aqueous film-forming foams, or AFFF). PFAS coatings resist oil, grease, and water.

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Department of Ecology – Our Committees, Boards, and Workgroups

We’re proud of the community involvement that supports Ecology’s mission. State, regional, and local governmental, non-governmental, and private constituents join forces to provide advice and oversight to a variety of projects and programs.

Below you will find links to many of the boards, committees, task forces, and other groups we contribute to. For additional information about our partnerships, boards, and committees, please visit our partnerships and committees page on our main website, ecology.wa.gov.

Our Committees, Boards, and Workgroups index

Regulatory Takings and Land Use Regulation:

A Primer for Public Agency Staff
July 2006

Overview

The scene is familiar: local residents become concerned about the accelerated pace of development in an area. At first, not much comes of it. Then, a proposed new subdivision galvanizes the community to action. The planning department updates its planning documents to more effectively manage growth. But then several property owners claim that the policies unlawfully interfere with their constitutionally protected property rights. They threaten to sue for compensation if restrictions are placed on their property.

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Wellhead Protection Programs – Tools for Local Governments

EPA
April 1989

Forward

The 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) established a new Wellhead Protection (WHP) Program to protect ground waters that supply wells and wellfields that contribute drinking water to public water supply systems. Under SDWA Section 1428 each State must develop a WHP Program that consists of several elements.

At a minimum, each State’s WHP Program
must:

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