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MassDEP bureau highlights PFAS work, upcoming sessions and federal legislation monitoring
Summary
MassDEP’s Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup staff said they are continuing PFAS sampling and policy work, will present at regional conferences the week of Oct. 20, and are monitoring a proposed PFAS omnibus bill and federal action that could affect site abatement.
John Ziegler, MassDEP’s PFAS coordinator, said the department is continuing its PFAS work and will participate in a conference session next week focused on PFAS issues in the state. “We just continue to plug along on, our PFAS efforts,” Ziegler said.
Millie (host), speaking for the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup, said the department will focus its presentation on bureau activities and is tracking federal and state developments that affect cleanup actions. “We’re also actively watching conversations and hearings and things in support of the PFAS omnibus bill,” she said, adding that the bureau must be able to respond when imminent-hazard conditions trigger abatements.
Ziegler and other MassDEP staff are scheduled to participate in an AEHS conference session at UMass and an internal PFAS session set for Wednesday, Oct. 22. Staff named to speak at that session included Natalie Johnson, John Fitzgerald and Mark Smith from the Office of ORS.
MassDEP emphasized that bureau-level PFAS work focuses on site investigation, sampling protocols and responses tied to state cleanup authorities; staff noted related water and wastewater PFAS work occurs in other MassDEP bureaus. The bureau also said it is preparing interim sampling guidance and question-and-answer materials, and that internal operating regimens remain under review.
Why it matters: PFAS contaminants are a cross-agency issue that can affect drinking water, wastewater biosolids and site cleanup obligations; coordinated policy and federal legislation could change state responsibilities and funding needs.
Ending: MassDEP asked stakeholders to email topic suggestions that could shape the Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup advisory committee agenda scheduled for Nov. 20.
