EPA releases guidance on destroying, disposing PFAS and PFAS-containing materials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new interim guidance on Dec. 18 on destroying and disposing of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and PFAS-containing materials. Specifically, the new interim guidance outlines the current science on techniques and treatments that may be used to destroy or dispose of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials from non-consumer products, including aqueous film-forming foam for firefighting.

“With this interim guidance, EPA is providing important scientific information on available technologies that can assist with the destruction and disposal of PFAS,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler says. “This action is a critical part of our efforts to increase the understanding of PFAS and support our federal, state, tribal and local partners as we address these emerging chemicals of concern.”

The interim guidance assembles and consolidates information in a single document that generally describes thermal treatment, landfill and underground injection technologies that may be effective in the destruction or disposal of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials. To help ensure informed decision-making, the technology-specific information describes uncertainties and how those uncertainties should be weighed given situation-specific factors, such as the waste’s physical state (liquid, solid, gas).

EPA’s ongoing research and development leverages both in-house expertise and external partnerships to help address the knowledge gaps identified in the draft interim guidance. Additionally, there are many current research efforts being coordinated across the federal government to help address PFAS destruction. EPA will incorporate this increased knowledge into future versions of this guidance to help decision-makers choose the most appropriate PFAS disposal options for their particular circumstances.

As required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20 NDAA), the interim guidance addresses PFAS and PFAS-containing materials including:

• Aqueous film-forming foam for firefighting.
• Soil and biosolids.
• Textiles, other than consumer goods, treated with PFAS.
• Spent filters, membranes, resins, granular carbon, and other waste from water treatment.
• Landfill leachate containing PFAS.
• Solid, liquid or gas waste streams containing PFAS from facilities manufacturing or using PFAS.

The interim guidance is not intended to address destruction and disposal of PFAS-containing consumer products, such as non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing.

The agency is also providing guidance on testing and monitoring air, effluent and soil for releases near potential destruction or disposal sites.

EPA will accept comments on the interim guidance for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. EPA will then consider and incorporate comments, as appropriate, into a revised document. EPA will also review and revise the interim guidance, as appropriate, or at least once every three years.