EPA Releases Updated Interim Guidance on Destroying and Disposing of Certain PFAS and PFAS-Containing Materials

Summary:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an updated interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and PFAS-containing materials. The guidance aims to provide information to managers of PFAS wastes on evaluating the most appropriate destruction, disposal, or storage method among available technologies. It prioritizes the use of technologies with the lowest potential for environmental release to protect people and communities from PFAS exposures. The guidance introduces a new technology evaluation framework and underscores the need for data validation and publicly releasing data to ensure the suitability of technologies for large-scale use. The update incorporates public comments, incorporates government and private sector work, and highlights innovation and emerging technologies. It also identifies key data gaps and uncertainties that ongoing research aims to address. The interim guidance is part of the EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap and is open for comments for 180 days.