New USEPA Recommendations Combat PFAS in Freshwater Fish

On July 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) took a significant step in the ongoing battle against environmental contaminants by issuing updated recommendations under the Clean Water Act. These recommendations include the addition of several per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) to the list of contaminants that states, Tribes, and territories should monitor in locally caught, freshwater fish. This landmark move is part of Administrator Regan’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, aimed at protecting communities from these persistent “forever chemicals.”

Understanding the New Recommendations

The updated USEPA recommendations call for monitoring twelve PFAS analytes alongside other harmful contaminants such as lead, three cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and amphetamine. This initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to advancing the science of PFAS and safeguarding public health. “By considering the latest science in their local advisories and testing for PFAS in fish at a local level, states and Tribes can protect subsistence, recreational, and sport fishers,” said USEPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott.

State, Tribal, and territorial programs do have monitoring programs for waterbodies found within their jurisdiction and often rely on USEPA’s guidelines to determine which contaminants to monitor. The USEPA lists 16 states that currently monitor and have established fish consumption advisories for selected PFAS analytes. The updated recommendations reflect a thorough review of scientific literature, data analysis, and external peer review. They aim to provide a robust framework for issuing fish consumption advisories, ensuring that the latest scientific insights inform public health decisions.

The Impact on Local Communities

PFAS, known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, have been detected in freshwater fish across various studies, including USEPA’s National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS). However, these studies highlight the need for localized data to make informed public health decisions.

With the new USEPA recommendations, it is crucial for states, Tribes, and territories to enhance their monitoring efforts to protect subsistence fishing, recreational fishing, and communities that rely on locally caught fish. The USEPA advises individuals to consult their local authorities for information on the safe consumption of freshwater fish and shellfish.

Our Commitment to PFAS Management

EnviroScience is at the forefront of environmental consulting, offering comprehensive PFAS services to help clients navigate the complexities of PFAS contamination. Our expertise in environmental compliance, sampling, and analysis capabilities position us as a trusted partner for states, Tribes, and territories implementing the USEPA’s new recommendations.

EnviroScience’s PFAS Services include:

• Environmental Compliance Consulting
  Assisting clients in meeting federal, state, and local regulations related to PFAS.
• Sampling and Analysis
  Conducting detailed water, soil, and biota sampling to identify and quantify PFAS contamination.
• Risk Assessment
  Evaluating the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Remediation and Disposal
  Designing and implementing effective remediation and disposal solutions to address PFAS contamination.

Conclusion

The USEPA’s updated recommendations mark a critical advancement in the fight against PFAS contamination in freshwater fish. As states, Tribes, and territories ramp up their monitoring efforts, EnviroScience stands ready to support these initiatives with our extensive expertise and cutting-edge services. Together, we can protect public health and ensure a safer environment for future generations.

For further details on the USEPA’s guidance for developing fish advisories and the list of contaminants to monitor, look to EnviroScience’s toxicology experts and our PFAS Sampling and Remediation Services. Contact Kevin Custer, Ph.D., our senior environmental toxicologist, today!

---

Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring); emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; sustainability services; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.

---