Date: April 13, 2024
Category: Uncategorized
EPA Issues New Nationwide Standards for PFAS in Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that for the first time it has established national drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
NASF Government and Industry Affairs has been in discussions with EPA and the drinking water regulatory community in anticipation of the mandate as well as coordinating with a wide range of industry groups on key concerns over its potential costs and benefits.
What does the requirement do?
This final action is far-reaching and significant since the national standards will:
- Regulate the amount of PFAS chemicals in drinking water supplies across states and in thousands of local jurisdictions; and
- Set other regulatory limits for the discharge and cleanup of PFAS.
It is expected to be published formally in the Federal Register in the coming days.
What PFAS are targeted and what are the new limits?
EPA issued an allowable limit – or an enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) – of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water, which is set at or near the detection level. In addition, EPA also set an MCL of 10 ppt for three other PFAS: HFPO-DA (Gen X), PFHxS, and PFNA, and a so-called Hazard Index (HI) of one for mixtures of four PFAS: HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxS, and PFNA.
Furthermore, EPA set maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) of zero for PFOA and PFOS, 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA, and one for the HI. The MCLGs are not enforceable but function as aspirational goals for protecting human health and the environment from contaminants in drinking water.
What is the timing for implementation of the rule?
In response to concerns expressed by drinking water agencies, EPA extended the compliance period to five years. Drinking water agencies will have three years to monitor drinking water for the presence of PFAS and then have another two years to implement treatment technologies to meet the drinking water MCLs.
Costs associated with the rule are vastly underestimated.
Drinking water agencies and others have also claimed that EPA has severely underestimated the costs of the new rule and the rule will cost drinking water agencies billions of dollars to comply. Industry and consumer groups have estimated that the new rule could increase annual water bills for many Americans by $400. EPA has countered that grants and other funding are available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help offset the costs to drinking water agencies.
An array of legal challenges is expected.
Given the concerns regarding the economic and technological feasibility of meeting the drinking water standard, multiple legal challenges are expected. Members attending the 2023 NASF Washington Forum last year were briefed on the economic and legal essentials of the then-pending rule, and the Forum this fall will include a major update as well.
More NASF engagement planned immediately ahead to guide the industry.
NASF is heavily involved in emerging national discussions on the rule in Washington. The Government and industry Affairs team will continue monitoring rulemaking developments, working with stakeholders on the rule and will update NASF members in the next quarterly webinar on the specific implications for surface finishing industry going forward.
If you have any questions or would like more information on this rule, please contact jeff Hannapel or Christian Richter with NASF at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com or crichter@thepolicygroup.com.
NASF 1000
The NASF 1000 program was established to ensure that the surface finishing industry would have resources to effectively address regulatory, legislative and legal actions impacting the industry, NASF members and their workplaces. All funds from the NASF 1000 program are used exclusively to support specific projects and initiatives that fall outside the association’s day-to-day public policy activities. The commitment to this program is one of the most vital contributions made in support of surface finishing and directly shapes the future of the industry.
The sustained commitment from industry leaders has helped the NASF remain strong and credible in informing regulatory decisions across the nation. Specific projects funded through the NASF 1000 make a measurable difference in how the industry navigates emerging challenges, communicates credibly with policy makers, and advocates for a strong science base for rules or standards that affect surface finishing.
Please consider supporting the NASF 1000 program. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding the NASF 1000 program or the broad array of NASF public policy activities, please contact Jeff Hannapel with NASF at jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com.
Date: November 28, 2023
Category: Uncategorized
As a reminder, NASF has issued a Membership Survey to all NASF members. We have extended the deadline to December 8th, 2023, to give everyone more time to fill it out. As chapter leaders, we please would like to encourage our members to fill the survey out. The survey allows an opportunity for members to be heard so the NASF Board of Directors can make informed decisions to improve the member experience.
Your leadership is greatly appreciated as we work together for the betterment of NASF.
2023 NASF Member Assessment Survey (office.com)
Date: May 18, 2023
Category: Uncategorized
Thirty members of the NASF New England Chapter attended a Seminar sponsored by the Chapter on May10, 2023 at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, Massachusetts to receive their mandatory annual RCRA HazMat and Triennial DOT training. The instructor for this four hour Seminar was David Webster, Environmental Health and Safety Project Manager for HRP Associates out of their Farmington, Connecticut office.
The first segment of the Seminar was the mandatory triennial DOT training session. David gave an intense fact filled two-hour DOT educational training course followed by a written competency test as required by the DOT before Certificates of Completion can be issued.
The second two-hour session of the Seminar was devoted to the required Annual RCRA HazMat training. This session was also a very detailed and intense training exercise with strong emphasis on possible pitfalls of incorrect hazardous waste handling and documentation. This session was also concluded with a written competency test prior to awarding of Certificates of completion for the RCRA Training.
This Seminar and other events and educational opportunities offered by the New England Chapter are just another reason to join and actively participate in all that local Chapter membership in the National Association for Surface Finishing has to offer.
Date: May 18, 2023
Category: Uncategorized
Important Dates
- SUR/FIN Advanced Registration Deadline: May 21
- Registration Deadline for Electroplating & Surface Finishing Parts 1 & 2 and Aluminum Finishing In-person Courses: May 23
- Electroplating & Surface Finishing Parts 1 & 2 and Aluminum Finishing In-person Courses: June 5-8
- SUR/FIN 2023: June 6-8
- Electroplating & Surface Finishing Parts 1 & 2 and Aluminum Finishing In-person Exams: June 9
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SUR/FIN 2023
Registration – SUR/FIN registration is open, and we are looking forward to our best show yet! Advanced registration ends May 21, so be sure to register before prices increase May 22 and again onsite.
Thursday Programming – Unlike previous years, SUR/FIN’s Thursday agenda is chock-full of events you won’t want to miss, including a keynote address, awards ceremony, Boot Camp, Blum Lecture, and more, so be sure to book your visit through Friday. Check out our agenda!
Industry Night – Please join us for our Cocktail Style Industry Night hosted by the Ohio Association of Metal Finishers to open the SUR/FIN National Conference! This cocktail party will include a live band, appetizers, and bar. Self-guided tour of the Mather Steamship available from 7-9 PM. Register here!
Technical Sessions – This year, 72 individuals were selected to present their research between Tuesday, June 6, and Wednesday, June 7. Each 30-minute presentation will cover the latest surface engineering and finishing technology topics that are seen impacting business today or trending for tomorrow. Be sure to register for a Full Conference pass if you would like to attend these sessions.
Beware of Scams – Please note that NASF does not sell any email lists for SUR/FIN or NASF. Any emails regarding leads or attendee lists should be considered spam.
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Upcoming In-Person Courses
Electroplating & Surface Finishing Parts 1 & 2 (CEF)
In-Person Course, Cleveland, OH
June 5 – June 8, 8 AM- 4:30 PM
Exam June 9, 8 AM – 10:30 AM
Member Rate: $1,800
Non-Member Rate: $2,200
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 23
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Aluminum Finishing
In-Person Course, Cleveland, OH
June 5 – June 8, 8 AM- 4:30 PM
Exam June 9, 8 AM – 10:30 AM
Member Rate: $1,800
Non-Member Rate: $2,200
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 23
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NASF Membership
Don’t forget– NASF member fees are past due! If you have not paid your member dues yet, please log in to your account here.
Contact info@nasf.org if you run into any issues or have any questions.
Interested in becoming a member? Check out our membership options and apply today!
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NASF 1000
The NASF 1000 program was established to ensure that the surface finishing industry would have resources to effectively address regulatory, legislative, and legal actions impacting the industry, NASF members and their workplaces. All funds from the NASF 1000 program are used exclusively to support specific projects and initiatives that fall outside the association’s day-to-day public policy activities. The sustained commitment from industry leaders has helped the NASF remain strong and credible in informing regulatory decisions across the nation.
Please consider supporting the NASF 1000 program. If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding the NASF 1000 program or the broad array of NASF public policy activities, please contact info@nasf.org.
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Custom Courses
Custom Courses allow you to mix and match over 150 courses with an AESF-qualified instructor to create a customized curriculum that meets the educational objectives of your company. Custom Courses are taught over two to four days either in-person or virtually, depending on your preference. To schedule a custom course and/or to secure a quote, email info@nasf.org.
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Chapter News
May
Annual MINASF Golf Open – May 19
Thornapple Pointe Golf Club
Grand Rapids, MI
1:00 PM Shotgun Start
OAMF Regulatory Compliance Seminar – May 23
NE Ohio Regional Sewer District
4747 East 49th St.
Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio 44125
July
OAMF Golf Outing – July 12
Manakiki Golf Course, Willoughby Hills
35501 Eddy Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094
August
Chicago Midwest Chapter Annual Golf Outing – August 21
Klein Creek Golf Club
1N333 Pleasant Hill Rd
Winfield, IL 60190
September
Detroit Auto Show Chapter Meeting – September 13-14
Industry Preview Days
October
Midwest Seminar – October 5-7
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Make sure to get your event in front of this industry-specific network by alerting NASF of your upcoming chapter events. To submit your event for inclusion on NASF.org as well as our newsletters, contact NASF at info@nasf.org. |
New England Chapter of NASF is an official chapter of