EPA 1633, PFAS, ASTM D8421, MUR
Merit Laboratories, Inc.
PFAS by EPA 1633A and ASTM D8421 Included in ...

The analysis of PFAS by EPA 1633A and ASTM D8421 is part of the U.S. EPA’s Methods Update Rule (MUR) Rule 22. The action will promulgate EPA into 40 CFR Part 136. Also part of this action, PFAS method ASTM D8421 is proposed to be codified. 

PFAS by EPA 1633A and ASTM D8421 Included in EPA Methods Update Rule 22
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New York PFAS Drinking Water Standards Pending Final Approval

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New York PFAS Drinking Water Standards Pending Final Approval

The State of New York Department of Health (DOH) postponed a final decision on setting PFAS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in drinking water The DOH cancelled a June 4th meeting where it was expected to adopt the recommended MCLs of 10 ppt for PFOA and 10 ppt for PFOS. This is the second time the meeting has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the pending standards, the chemical1,4-dioxane is recommend for MCL of 1 ppb. The governor issued an executive order granting a 90-day extension, so the rulemaking must be completed by August 7.

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Illinois Proposes New Groundwater Standards for PFAS

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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.

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Michigan Adds 19 PFAS Contaminated Sites to List

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Michigan Adds 19 PFAS Contaminated Sites to List

In a continuing trend, another 19 sites with PFAS contamination have been added to the latest list of Michigan sites. The newest Michigan EGLE PFAS Map Tracker shows that the number of confirmed PFAS contaminated sites has grown to 93, up from 74  in December 2019 and 52 a year ago.  The latest list of PFAS contamination includes sites spread across Michigan, throughout both the lower and upper peninsulas, in rural, suburban, and urban areas The EGLE also provides a PFAS map viewer, which provides information on the site name, location and address, description of the site, and a link to site-specific background, data, PFAS contaminants, site history, and recent activities. 

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EPA Adding 172 PFAS Chemicals to the Toxic Release Inventory

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EPA Adding 172 PFAS Chemicals to the Toxic Release Inventory

The U.S. States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adding 172 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the toxic chemicals list that are subject to reporting in the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act.  The U.S. EPA took final rule action on the PFAS additions on May 18, 2020.

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Merit Laboratories Adds TO-15 to DoD ELAP Accreditation

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Merit Laboratories Adds TO-15 to DoD ELAP Accreditation

Merit Laboratories has expanded the list of analytical methods, compounds, and sample matrices for which it is accredited through the DoD Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP).  Through this expansion, the DoD officially revised Merit Laboratories' DoD ELAP testing certification to also now include EPA Method TO-15 for the analysis of air samples. Merit is also analyzed for a comprehensive list of analytical methods for aqueous and solid sample matrices. 

EPA Extends PFAS Drinking Water Standards Comment Period

EPA Extends PFAS Drinking Water Standards Comment Period

With the number of PFAS-contaminated sites growing to over 900 in the United States, the U.S. EPA is facing pressure to establish drinking water standards. These PFAS sites impact the drinking water of nearly 25 million people living in the country. Despite the urgency, the U.S. EPA has extended the due date to receive comments on the preliminary decision related to establishing drinking water standards for two PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. The new due date for comments is now June 10, 2020. 

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DoD Installations Assessed for PFAS Use and Potential Releases

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DoD Installations Assessed for PFAS Use and Potential Releases

The U.S. Department of Defense is actively performing assessments of PFAS usage and potential releases at more than 650 military installations throughout the country. The list of installations includes sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Midway Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The military installations being assessed cover a diverse range of DoD facilities

PFAS Contamination at Military Bases and Facilities Grows

PFAS Contamination at Military Bases and Facilities Grows

The number of U.S. military bases and facilities with known or suspected PFAS contamination has grown to nearly 700, according to a recent report published by the Environmental Working Group.  This latest increase adds an additional 27 military installations to the number reported just one month earlier by the Department of Defense (DoD). 

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Merit Laboratories Here to Serve: COVID-19

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Merit Laboratories Here to Serve: COVID-19

The spread of the COVID-19 has created significant health, safety and business disruptions all around the world. In order to offer some reassurance to our clients, Merit Laboratories will remain operational and available to you. We will continue to accept samples and our project managers are able to ship sampling orders. Merit’s field team is available for sample pick-up and will continue to service your projects.