Virginia Starts Digging in to PFAS Sources

Virginia’s water regulators are taking significant steps to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” in drinking water. The effort, mandated by recent state legislation, aims to identify and assess sources of these chemicals after regulatory limits were exceeded in 28 water systems statewide. The systems serve roughly 2.29 million residents, including major populations in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties, the Hampton Roads region, and Southwest Virginia.

Widespread Presence of PFAS in Drinking Water

PFAS chemicals, widely used in products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, are notoriously persistent in the environment due to their strong chemical bonds. These bonds also make them extremely difficult to degrade, leading to long-term contamination concerns. In Virginia, testing revealed PFAS levels exceeding safety thresholds of 4 to 10 parts per trillion in some areas—equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) obtained these results through a data transfer from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). This transfer included historical testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) and voluntary reporting by some counties.

Proactive Measures by Loudoun and Fauquier Counties

Loudoun and Fauquier Counties self-reported their findings to DEQ, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing PFAS contamination. Ben Shoemaker, executive director of the Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority, explained that extensive testing was undertaken to address laboratory contamination concerns and qualify for funding tied to class action lawsuits related to PFAS.

“We decided to sample everything we have,” Shoemaker stated. This effort encompassed 48 groundwater wells, costing approximately $25,000. Testing for PFAS requires stringent procedures to avoid contamination from external sources, such as clothing or lab equipment.

Loudoun Water also prioritized transparency by sharing findings on its website and collaborating with regional water authorities. “We value coordination with our regional water community to improve our collective understanding of PFAS occurrence, identify sources, and how to mitigate it,” said Sue Crosby, executive director of communications for Loudoun Water.

Challenges in Identifying PFAS Sources

Pinpointing PFAS sources remains a complex task. Manufacturing facilities, landfills, and wastewater discharges are typical contributors. However, other factors, such as historical use of firefighting foam, can also lead to contamination. For groundwater systems like those in Fauquier County, biosolids used as fertilizer on agricultural land or old chemical spills may be responsible.

Shoemaker acknowledged the difficulty, noting, “The short answer is we don’t know” where the PFAS in Fauquier County originated. He added that the rural nature of the area and lack of industrial activity made the findings surprising.

DEQ’s Investigative Process

The new law requires DEQ to evaluate potential PFAS sources and classify them for self-reporting, monitoring, or additional scrutiny. DEQ spokesperson Irina Calos indicated that a prior voluntary survey in 2022 yielded limited responses and dated information. Consequently, DEQ may now rely on watershed analysis and proximity assessments, examining a three-mile radius for groundwater sources and broader upstream regions for surface water.

Environmental groups have highlighted known sources like the Danville Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant, which discharges PFAS, and potential land application of contaminated sludge. David Sligh of Wild Virginia emphasized the challenges, explaining that any activity on land, from chemical use to firefighting efforts decades ago, could contribute to contamination.

Oversight by the PFAS Advisory Committee

A PFAS Advisory Committee, established by the legislation, is working to guide DEQ’s prioritization process. The committee is reviewing methodologies from other states like Arizona, North Carolina, and Maryland to determine best practices. It plans to consider public health impacts, water system characteristics, and environmental factors before finalizing recommendations.

The committee is expected to release a draft plan at its December 16 meeting, with final approval slated for January 2024. However, environmental advocates have criticized the absence of a conservation group representative on the committee, a requirement under the law.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that DEQ has failed to include conservation group representatives on the committee well before the first meeting,” said Sligh. He noted his credentials as a former DEQ employee overseeing pollution permits and called for immediate corrective action.

In response, Calos stated that DEQ consulted with several environmental organizations to nominate candidates, but their initial recommendation declined the role. DEQ has since reopened the process to secure additional nominees.

Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps

To support source identification, DEQ has hired additional staff and continues fish tissue sampling in river basins across the state. Testing has already occurred in basins including the James, Potomac/Shenandoah, and Roanoke Rivers, with remaining basins scheduled for evaluation.

Despite progress, challenges remain in comprehensively identifying and mitigating PFAS contamination. As lawmakers, regulators, and communities work together, the goal is to ensure safer drinking water and reduce exposure to these persistent chemicals.

The Role of Water Filtration in Addressing PFAS

Reverse osmosis systems and whole-home water conditioners offer practical solutions for reducing PFAS levels in drinking water. Reverse osmosis can remove many PFAS compounds by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. Whole-home water conditioners complement this by treating all water entering a household, ensuring safer usage across multiple applications. These technologies provide an effective defense against PFAS while longer-term mitigation efforts continue.

Source: Virginia Mercury