Waterstone Environmental, Inc.

07/17/2024

04/19/2024

EPA Adds Select PFAS Chemicals to CERCLA Hazardous Substances List

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has designated two widely used polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) chemicals as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. The chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are part of a phase-out manufacturing approach to reduce the production due to their potential health and environmental impacts. Two major processes, electrochemical fluorination (ECF) and fluorotelomerization, have been (and are) used to manufacture PFAS substances that contain perfluoroalkyl chains. PFAS are used in many industrial and consumer applications that may affect the environment or receptors by various mechanisms and to various degrees. Some uses of PFAS are building and construction material, cable and wiring, paper products and packaging, the semiconductor industry, and textiles, leather and apparel.

Earlier this month, the Presidential Administration issued the first-ever, national and legally enforceable drinking water standard for five individual PFAS chemicals and limits for mixtures of any two or more of four PFAS chemicals, allowing the public water systems three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals and to implements mitigation measures to reduce PFAS in drinking water within five years. (see full story here)

In addition to the announcement, US EPA issued a memorandum providing direction about its enforcement discretion and how it will hold responsible entities who significantly contribute to PFAS contamination to the environment.

Waterstone professional personnel are highly trained and knowledgeable in the steps needed to determine if PFAS pollution is affecting your project. We can design and implement a sampling strategy to establish baseline values and delineate any onsite plumes. Call us today or visit our website to arrange for a free consultation.

www.waterstone-env.com
714-414-1122

04/19/2024

EPA Adds Select PFAS Chemicals to CERCLA Hazardous Substances List

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has designated two widely used polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) chemicals as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund. The chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are included in a phase-out manufacturing approach to reduce the production due to their potential health and environmental impacts. Two major processes, electrochemical fluorination (ECF) and fluorotelomerization, have been (and are) used to manufacture PFAS substances that contain perfluoroalkyl chains. PFAS are used in many industrial and consumer applications that may affect the environment or receptors by various mechanisms and to various degrees. Some uses of PFAS are building and construction material, cable and wiring, paper products and packaging, semiconductor industry, and textiles, leather and apparel.

Earlier this month, the Presidential Administration issued the first-ever, national and legally enforceable drinking water standard for five individual PFAS chemicals and limits for mixtures of any two or more of four PFAS chemicals, allowing the public water systems three years to complete their initial monitoring for these chemicals and to implements mitigation measures to reduce PFAS in drinking water within five years.

In addition to today's announcement, US EPA issued a memorandum providing direction about its enforcement discretion and how it will hold responsible entities who significantly contribute to PFAS contamination to the environment.

Waterstone professional personnel are highly trained and knowledgeable in the steps needed to determine if PFAS pollution is affecting your project. We can design and implement a sampling strategy to establish baseline values and delineate any onsite plumes. Call us today or visit our website to arrange for a free consultation.

Waterstone Environmental, Inc.
714-414--1122
www.waterstone-env.com

Waterstone provides full-service environmental consulting solutions and litigation support.

03/20/2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday banned the last form of asbestos still imported into the United States. Asbestos is fire-resistant and durable and has long been used in building materials like insulation. Asbestos exposure is linked to lung and other forms of cancer, killing an estimated 40,000 Americans each year. It can be challenging for the body to clear and when inhaled, can cling to the lining of the lungs, causing a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

While asbestos manufacturing has declined since the 1970s, one of its six forms—chrysotile asbestos—is still being imported into the US...until yesterday! Actually, the EPA has set compliance deadlines to transition away from the use of chrysotile asbestos in all applications, which are as soon as is practicable for each use while also providing a reasonable transition period, which the law requires.

Read the full article in this link:
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-ban-ongoing-uses-asbestos-protect-people-cancer

03/04/2024

We're hiring...again! Our company is expanding. If you'd like to join our team of highly-motivated, friendly, intelligent scientists, check out our job postings on our website Careers page.

www.waterstone-env.com

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
It’s Official - New ASTM E1527-21 Phase I ESA Standard Adopted!

As of February 14, 2023, the most recent ASTM Phase I standard (E1527-21) has been adopted as the new industry standard for Phase I ESAs. Reports prepared under the previous standard (ASTM E1527-13) will no longer satisfy the requirements for conducting All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) for landowner liability protections under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Want to learn more about the changes? Visit our Latest Insights webpage or call our office to speak to our Phase I Team.

http://www.waterstone-env.com/single-post/happy-valentine-s-day-it-s-official-new-astm-e1527-21-phase-i-esa-standard-adopted-prepared-by

Waterstone Environmental, Inc.
714-414-1122

10/06/2023

We're hiring!
Check out the careers page on our website and find out how you can join our team of top-notch, highly motivated environmental professionals.

http://www.waterstone-env.com/careers

10/03/2023

We're hiring!

Want to work with top-notch, highly motivated, intelligent collogues in a friendly environment with creative, challenging work, at competitive salaries?

View our Website at Careers to see how you can join the team.

Waterstone Environmental prides itself on hiring top-notch, highly motivated, intelligent personnel.

02/22/2021

This Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) online documentation includes the 1,4-Dioxane Fact Sheets, Guidance Document, and six-part modular training courses prepared by the ITRC 1,4-Dioxane Team.

Banner 2 contact_slider_correct itrc_slider5_325   This Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) online documentation includes the 1,4-Dioxane Fact Sheets, Guidance Document, and six-part modular training courses prepared by the ITRC 1,4-Dioxane Team. Links within the online document hel...

01/14/2021

New from ITRC: Technical Resources for V***r Intrusion Mitigation is designed to aid state regulators in understanding various mitigation strategies, how they are installed and fundamentally work, and what factors to consider as part of the review process.

VIMT Banner contact_slider_correct itrc_slider5_325   This Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) online documentation includes the V***r Intrusion Mitigation Team’s (VIMT) Fact Sheets, Tech Sheets, and Checklists prepared by the ITRC V***r Intrusion Mitigation Team. Links within the...

12/31/2020

DTSC HHRA Note 11 has been posted, confirms the Southern California regional arsenic concentration

12/23/2020

Happy Holidays from Waterstone Environmental

To say that this year has been challenging is probably the most overused statement of the year. Given we are entering the holiday season, I am proposing we take a 180 degree turn from the world’s troubles and examine all the things for which we have to be t hankful. Among the things I am thankful ...