OLEM is hosting a series of virtual engagement sessions to receive input from Tribes and other interested parties regarding management of surface soils containing low concentrations of per- and polyfluorinated substances or PFAS. By “low concentrations,” EPA means concentrations at about the same levels found in U.S. soil that is not located near any known PFAS sources. These sessions will not cover topics that relate to cleanup of soils contaminated with PFAS from specific known sources. The agency will host four sessions for specific groups to share their experiences, concerns, and approaches. For more information and to register. If you have any questions, please contact EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery at Low_PFAS_Soil@epa.gov.
May 12 – Overflow engagement session. The Tribes and Tribal Organizations segment of this session will run from 3:12-3:36 pm ET. Register. We’ll build on insights from the first five sessions and delve deeper into real-world experience with PFAS-impacted soils. Please come ready to share what’s working, where you need clarity, and your ideas for practical next steps. We plan to explore topics such as:
- Background PFAS concentrations and soil screening and cleanup levels
- Costs, liabilities, and insurance, e.g., for sampling, development, and disposal
- Landfill disposal of soils containing low concentrations of PFAS
- Management approaches and technologies, including in situ approaches
- Suggestions how EPA could reduce uncertainty and facilitate safe development of sites with low concentrations of PFAS