The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has filed administrated rules to create the first groundwater quality standards for PFAS chemicals in the state. According to the IEPA in a recent announcement, it has submitted amendments to 35 Illinois Administrative Code (Ill. Admin. Code) Part 620 to the Illinois Pollution Control Board (Board).
Illinois Proposes New Groundwater Standards for PFAS
The number of PFAS-contaminated sites in Illinois continues to grow. Combined with detectable concentrations of PFAS in drinking water far above the federal screening level, state regulatory professionals and legislators are facing the reality that Illinois has a significant PFAS problem. The toxic compounds have been detected in water systems and groundwater throughout the state, including sites in Bloomington, Chicago, Galesburg, Peoria and the Quad Cities area. PFAS has also been detected in the groundwater at Scott Air Force Base, Chanute Air Force Base, Naval Station Great Lakes, and the Rock Island Arsenal.