Massachusetts Issues New PFAS Cleanup Standard

On Friday, December 13, the Boston Globe reported that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has released a preview of changes to the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) that will require clean up of contaminated soil and groundwater when the total concentration of six Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) compounds reaches 20 parts per trillion (ppt). The effective date of the regulation will be December 27, 2019.

MassDEP has also provided notice of proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations that would establish a total PFAS Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 ppt for the same six PFAS compounds. They will hold five public hearings in January, 2020 to receive comments on the proposed changes with a public comment period until Friday, February 28, 2020.