News & Events > Blog > Efforts Continue to Address Toxic PFAS in the Pacific Northwest
Efforts Continue to Address Toxic PFAS in the Pacific Northwest
9.1.2020
By: MICK HARRIS

According to EPA, the PFAS Action Plan:
- Demonstrates the agency’s critical national leadership by providing both short-term solutions and long-term strategies to address this important issue
- Provides a multi-media, multi-program, national research, and risk communication plan to address this emerging environmental challenge
- Responds to the extensive public input the agency has received over the past year during the PFAS National Leadership Summit, multiple community engagements, and through the public docket
The agency is continuing to investigate PFAS releases, including issuing 20 information request letters and conducting 11 onsite inspections since July 2017, including joint inspections with states. Over the past year, EPA provided technical support to multiple states on PFAS contamination and treatment. EPA is currently responding to requests for assistance from more than a dozen state and territorial governments by screening for PFAS at high priority sites and training local health agencies to test for PFAS on their own. EPA is also providing cleanup assistance to more than 30 states and the District of Columbia to address PFAS at contaminated groundwater and soil sites.
According to Oregon’s Department of Environmental of Quality, no state-specific health advisories or limits have been established regarding PFAS and no major source of PFAS has been found in Oregon. However, several states have adopted or proposed health guidelines or Maximum Contaminant Levels (“MCLs”) for PFAS in their state, including California.
Tonkon Torp will continue to track the progress of the PFAS Action Plan as it unfolds and we strongly encourage our clients to adhere to all relevant environmental regulations.
If you have questions regarding PFAS or other environmental topics, please reach out to your Tonkon Torp contact.