The EPA’s Proposed Changes to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and How They Will Affect Businesses
February 22, 2024
On February 8, 2024, the EPA proposed adding a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “Forever Chemicals,” to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Section 3001 hazardous waste list.
This proposal carries significant implications for businesses and industrial processes. Let's delve into the details of this proposal and how its acceptance will affect businesses moving forward.
What is in the EPA's Feb 2024 Proposal?
The EPA's proposal aims to list nine PFAS compounds as hazardous waste under the RCRA. Here is the exact list:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid
- Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
- Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
- Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid
- Perfluorononanoic acid
- Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
- Perfluorodecanoic acid
- Perfluorohexanoic acid
- Perfluorobutanoic acid
PFAS are widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water and grease-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health have raised concerns. Adding these nine Forever Chemicals to the list is the first step to stricter regulations regarding their use, storage, and disposal.
Implications for Businesses And Industrial Processes
Many states already strictly regulate or ban various forever chemicals in various industries. In Texas, we mainly see their use in oil and gas extraction, particularly in fracking. It is also still used in a wide range of consumer products, including waterproof gear and fast food products. This bill could create a massive impact across the board. Here are just a few of the major factors businesses and industries may face.
- Compliance Costs.
This includes implementing new measures to prevent environmental contamination and how you treat PFAS-contaminated waste. It could also eventually lead to a strict ban on the chemicals, forcing industries to utilize alternatives.
- Cost of Rapid and Frequent Changes. As studies continue and our knowledge of forever chemicals evolve, the hazardous waste listing will enable the EPA and other regulatory agencies to enforce changes accordingly. Those who continue to use PFAS substances could face the extra expenses of staying up to date with rapidly evolving safety measures.
- Legal Obligations. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties. This could include legal consequences for any health and environmental damages from lingering waste products linked to the company.
- Waste Management Practices.
Industries generating PFAS-containing waste will need to reassess their waste management practices to ensure compliance with stricter hazardous waste regulations. This may involve investing in specialized treatment technologies or outsourcing waste disposal to authorized facilities.
- Supply Chain Impacts. Manufacturers may need to seek alternative substances or processes to replace PFAS, leading to potential product development and sourcing challenges. Companies that have not prepared for this ahead of time will be hit hardest as they contend with a spike in demand and a low supply of alternative solutions in the early days of implementation.
Get Ahead of the Game With Sparkling Clear
We’re tracking how the regulation of PFAS substances affects Texas industries. Keep ahead of the curve by talking to one of our experts on how we can help reduce and eliminate forever chemicals in your water supplies and waste materials.
Reference:
Study says companies using “forever chemicals” in Texas oil and gas wells | The Texas Tribune
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Businesses and industries face a lot of changes in the coming years. Advanced filtration systems are essential tools that can help meet these evolving standards before they become an issue. Here are a few ways to future-proof your businesses against water quality regulations. Managing PFAS and Emerging Contaminants One of the most pressing challenges is regulating PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS have been linked to significant health risks like cancer, heart disease, and immune system disorders. Advanced filtration technologies defend against PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Three effective options that meet or exceed regulatory standards include: Reverse Osmosis (RO). RO systems use semi-permeable membranes to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including PFAS, heavy metals, and bacteria. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). The right GAC filters can adsorb PFAS molecules, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants. Ion Exchange Systems. These systems target specific contaminants and bind to them during the removal process. By integrating these technologies, businesses can meet or exceed regulatory thresholds for water safety before they go into effect. It also ensures they protect their employees, customers, and reputation as our knowledge of PFAS and other contaminants continues to evolve. Supporting Sustainability Goals Advanced water filtration systems help meet sustainability-focused regulations, including those that could appear in coming years. Reducing Water Waste. Stricter laws are targeting water conservation and waste reduction across industries. New filtration designs and custom filtration services allow for things like closed-loop systems that recycle used water. Lowering Environmental Impact. When the situation allows, advanced filtration processes like UV disinfection or ozone treatment minimize reliance on chemicals, reducing both cost and environmental risk. Compliance with Green Certifications. Compliance with green initiatives often comes with benefits like tax incentives or operational grants. Modern systems designed to meet water efficiency and waste reduction benchmarks help businesses achieve these certifications more easily. Businesses who take a sustainability approach to their water filtration systems will future-proof themselves to rising environmental standards and position themselves as leaders in environmentally responsible practices. Staying Prepared for Water Quality Crises The winter storm of January 2025 showed us that emergency preparedness should be a top priority to avoid or minimize regulatory issues during unexpected events. A few ways advanced systems help mitigate these risks include: Rapid Response Capabilities. Portable filtration units or mobile treatment systems can be deployed to manage emergencies quickly. Real Time Warnings and Automatic Controls. Using filtration and quality controls like real time meters, alarms, and pH regulators can help businesses deal with issues before they build up into regulatory breaches. System Redundancy. Designing systems with backup capabilities ensures uninterrupted compliance even during disruptions like frozen pipes or blockages from storm debris. Businesses can minimize compliance risks and stay prepared for future challenges by adopting filtration systems that can quickly adapt to unplanned situations. This proactive approach will safeguard against fines and penalties, ensure operational continuity, and future-proof your system against sudden regulatory issues. Sparkling Clear Will Help Future-Proof Your Filtration Systems If your business is ready to upgrade its water filtration systems to meet the latest and future regulatory challenges, contact us today. Our team will provide tailored solutions designed to keep your operations compliant and running smoothly.
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