New York officials unveiled a sweeping set of actions this week aimed at limiting PFAS contamination and helping communities respond to the long-lasting chemicals.
The Department of Environmental Conservation announced new studies, finalized guidance, draft policies, and an expanded public information hub focused on PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in the environment.
“DEC is forging a cleaner path forward by prioritizing the removal and prevention of the many forms of PFAS pollution to help create healthier ecosystems and communities,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said.
The rollout includes a new progress report marking a decade of state action on PFAS, along with a finalized study showing the chemicals are widespread across New York’s landscape, including rural areas with no nearby industrial sources.
PFAS are human-made chemicals used for decades in consumer and industrial products. They resist breaking down, linger in the human body, and have been linked to a range of health effects.
New guidance for wastewater plants
DEC finalized updated guidance for publicly owned wastewater treatment plants, outlining how the state will collect more PFAS data and track down upstream sources contributing to contamination.
The guidance also recommends new compliance schedules in discharge permits and makes emerging contaminant data publicly available through an online portal.
Officials said PFAS remain difficult to eliminate entirely from wastewater because of their widespread use in everyday products.
Biosolids and soil products under review
DEC also proposed a new draft policy that would require PFAS sampling in soil products made from biosolids, such as compost and heat-dried materials.
The agency said PFAS levels in biosolids remain uncertain, and the new policy would help gather data needed for future regulations. Public comments on the proposal are open until Jan. 9.
Rural soil study highlights prevalence
A newly completed rural soil study found PFOS in more than 97% of surface soil samples and PFOA in more than 76%.
DEC said the findings will help shape future cleanup standards and reflect similar results seen across the Northeast.
Changes proposed for contaminated water response
DEC also proposed revisions to its policy for assisting private water supplies impacted by PFAS. The draft recognizes that contamination does not always come from a single, identifiable source.
The policy outlines when the state will provide alternate water supplies and how investigations will move forward. Public comments will be accepted through Feb. 10.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the effort remains focused on public health.
“Governor Hochul remains committed to protecting the health of our communities,” McDonald said, adding that the state will continue working with DEC to address PFAS exposure.
New PFAS information hub launched
DEC also launched a new webpage, dec.ny.gov/pfas, designed as a one-stop source for PFAS data, policy updates, and public comment opportunities.
Officials said more work is underway, including proposed regulations tied to New York’s PFAS in Apparel Law, with draft rules expected next year.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].