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Board authorizes preliminary hearing on proposed PFAS groundwater standards; public comment period set
Summary
The Natural Resources Board authorized a preliminary public hearing and comment period to consider adopting numeric groundwater standards for certain PFAS compounds based on recent Department of Health Services recommendations and federal guidance.
The Natural Resources Board voted to authorize a preliminary public hearing and public comment period on a draft scope for board order DG-2-25, which would amend NR 140 to establish numeric groundwater standards for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the Department of Health Services recommendations. Department staff said the proposal reflects updated federal guidance issued in April 2024 and the DHS recommendations provided in January 2025.
Why it matters: Numeric groundwater standards would provide enforceable thresholds for PFAS in groundwater and would directly affect private well users and property owners where contamination is found. Department staff emphasized this action focuses on groundwater standards; an associated drinking-water rule (NR 809) addressing public water systems remains a separate rulemaking process.
What the board did: The board approved staff's request to publish the scope statement for public hearings and a comment period. Board members encouraged broad public engagement and urged well owners, municipal systems and tribal governments to participate in the public review.
Next steps: Staff will publish a statement of scope and open a public hearing and comment period. The department will coordinate outreach to affected communities and stakeholders. Following public input, staff will return recommended rule language and a public comment summary to the board.
