ACT NOW! Tell DEQ to Protect VA Waters from PFAS!

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a draft pollution discharge permit for the Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant. This move has sparked concern from environmental advocates and residents, as the permit, if finalized, would allow the facility to release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into nearby waterways. These include Four Mile Run, the Potomac River, and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.

Environmental group Wild Virginia has emerged as a vocal opponent of the draft permit, citing risks to human and ecological health. The group argues that DEQ has neglected its legal responsibility to evaluate and control the dangers posed by PFAS pollution.

PFAS: The Persistent Pollutants in Focus

PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their durability. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” they resist natural degradation and accumulate in both human and animal tissue over time. Exposure to even small amounts of PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems. These include fertility complications, disrupted hormone activity, immune suppression, thyroid issues, obesity, and several forms of cancer.

Local wildlife share the burden. Scientific research links PFAS exposure to reproductive failures, liver damage, and immune dysfunction in fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. These effects ripple up the food chain, magnifying risks for communities dependent on fishing for food or livelihood.

Despite these well-documented hazards, the DEQ’s draft permit does not include any provisions requiring monitoring or controlling PFAS discharges. Wild Virginia argues that this omission contradicts DEQ’s legal obligation to protect public and environmental health.

Wild Virginia’s Call to Action

Wild Virginia is urging residents throughout Virginia to speak out against the proposed permit. The group stresses that PFAS contamination is not a localized issue. These chemicals move through water systems and spread through the food web, meaning communities far from Arlington could still face indirect exposure.

Moreover, the Arlington County facility distributes PFAS-laden sludge to agricultural lands across Virginia. Wild Virginia warns that this practice increases the risk of spreading toxic substances into soils, crops, and ultimately, the food supply.

The group states, “DEQ must reject the permit as currently written.” They insist on a revised version that mandates both PFAS monitoring and discharge limits.

Why This Permit Sets a Dangerous Precedent

According to Wild Virginia, how the state handles this permit will influence future environmental decisions across Virginia. “The outcomes on these permits are precedents for other permits that will come up in your area, no matter where you are,” the group explains. They warn that allowing PFAS discharges now could normalize the practice statewide, making it harder to enforce stricter protections later.

The group has also pointed out that DEQ’s current stance reflects a pattern of inaction. “So far, DEQ outright refuses to do what it should on these permits,” they say, urging the public to intervene before the permit is finalized.

Public Comments Welcome Until October 23

Wild Virginia encourages Virginians from all regions to submit public comments opposing the draft permit. “Even if you’re located somewhere in Virginia that is far away from these areas… you can still comment,” they note, highlighting that pollution in one part of the state can affect everyone.

The public can submit comments by emailing Celeste DuFour at NRO.VPDESPermits@deq.virginia.gov. The reference number for the permit is VA0025143. Wild Virginia also advises residents to request a public hearing to further scrutinize the permit’s terms.

The Wider Issue: PFAS in Agricultural Sludge

A lesser-known consequence of sewage treatment is the creation of sludge — the solid byproduct left behind. In many cases, this sludge ends up spread over farmland as a low-cost fertilizer. When that sludge contains PFAS, it becomes a vehicle for spreading chemicals across rural landscapes.

This practice, while legal, has sparked growing alarm nationwide. In Maine, for instance, the state halted sludge applications altogether after PFAS contamination was found in food and milk. Virginia continues to allow the practice, and according to Wild Virginia, sludge from the Arlington facility is part of the problem.

They warn, “Comment today to stop toxic sludge from coming to your community.” The group believes that a failure to regulate this output could have lasting consequences for Virginia’s agricultural safety.

Reverse Osmosis and Water Conditioners: A Defense Against PFAS

For households concerned about PFAS contamination, reverse osmosis filtration systems offer an effective line of defense. These systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane, trapping PFAS and other pollutants. Reverse osmosis units can be installed under sinks or as whole-home systems, depending on the level of exposure.

In tandem, whole-home water conditioners can enhance overall water quality by addressing other contaminants and hardness. While they don’t specifically target PFAS, combining them with reverse osmosis provides comprehensive protection for drinking and cooking water.

As communities confront the risks posed by PFAS, investing in these systems offers a way to reduce exposure while policy battles continue at the state level.

Source: Wild Virginia