Document kD7163VNG7qE5xxg6EX940yJy

Message From: Sent: To: CC: Subject: Jones, Enesta [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=65B8E6C6E5CA4A7A9AE85D98A4C8EEDB-EJONES02] 6/13/2018 9:01:51.PM____________________ , Jennifer Gerson i Ex. 6 Press [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou="xchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] Re: request for comment / Mic Jennifer, On background: What steps is the EPA currently undertaking to determine the levels at which PFAS exposure is hazardous? "The National Leadership Summit on PFAS provided an unprecedented opportunity for stakeholders to share vital information and best practices regarding PFAS challenges across the nation," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "EPA will utilize the information discussed at the historic summit, along with upcoming visits to affected communities, to develop a National PFAS Management Plan. The Agency will also take concrete actions to ensure PFAS is thoroughly addressed and all Americans have access to clean and safe drinking water." "EPA remains committed to evaluating PFOA and PFOS during the regulatory determination process as quickly as feasible." - EPA Spokesperson On background: Administrator Pruitt announced four actions EPA will take following the summit: EPA will initiate steps to evaluate the need for a maximum contaminant level (MCE) for PFOA and PFOS. We will convene our federal partners and examine everything we know about PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. EPA is beginning the necessary steps to propose designating PFOA and PFOS as "hazardous substances" through one of the available statutory mechanisms, including potentially CERCLA Section 102. EPA is currently developing groundwater cleanup recommendations for PFOA and PFOS at contaminated sites and will complete this task by fall of this year. EPA is taking action in close collaboration with our federal and state partners to develop toxicity values for GenX and PFBS by this summer. As noted by the Administrator, we are taking steps to accelerate the process prior to the timing noted in the background previously sent. EPA is currently conducting the scientific data collection and analysis called for under the Safe Drinking Water Act to evaluate PFOA and PFOS. EPA will consider occurrence data along with health effects information to determine whether or not to initiate the process to develop a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) under its Regulatory Determination process 4. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00014245-00001 The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to make regulatory determinations for at least five contaminants from the most recent CCL (published in 2016) within five years after the completion of the previous round of regulatory determinations (published in 2016). EPA included PFOA and PFOS on the fourth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). Additionally, approximately 5,000 public water systems monitored drinking water for PFOA, PFOS, and four other PFAS between 20132015 as part of the third cycle of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3). EPA is currently conducting the analysis called for under the Safe Drinking Water Act to evaluate PFOA and PFOS. EPA will consider occurrence data along with health effects information to determine whether or not to make a positive preliminary regulatory determination under its Regulatory Determination 4 process, which is the first step in the SDWA process to develop a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). More information is here. How long has the EPA known about the potential of water contamination via PFAS on military bases? PFAS are considered to be emerging contaminants and are evaluated on a site-specific basis. At Federal Facility NPL sites, EPA works closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) reduce or eliminate exposure, which may include providing alternate water supplies. States have regulatory oversight at non-NPL Federal Facility sites. How is the EPA working with the DoD to ensure that individuals serving on bases have access to clean water supplies, and specifically water supplies not contaminated by PFAS chemicals? EPA works with the Department of Defense (DoD) on a site-specific basis to review data related to the nature and extent of contamination. We suggest the reporter contact DoD directly. DoD is the lead agency for CERCLA response actions at DoD facilities. On Jun 12, 2018, at 2:22 PM, Jennifer Gerson H Ex. 6 i> wrote: Thank you, Enesta, for your quick reply. Would it be possible to have replies by EOD tomorrow? Some questions for you: How long has the EPA known about the potential of water contamination via PFAS on military bases? What steps have been taken to date to address contamination (clean-up, communication, access to alternate water supplies)? What steps is the EPA currently undertaking to determine the levels at which PFAS exposure is hazardous? How is the EPA working with the DoD to ensure that individuals serving on bases have access to clean water supplies, and specifically water supplies not contaminated by PFAS chemicals? On Tue, Jun 12, 2018 at 2:19 PM, Jones, Enesta <Jones.Enesta@epa.gov> wrote: Jen, what are your specific questions re military bases and exposure, and firm deadline? On Jun 12, 2018, at 2:17 PM, Jennifer Gerson ) x. hwrote: i____________________________________________________ I Hi, Enesta, I'm a freelance reporter working on a story for Mic regarding PFAS and water contamination on military bases. I was hoping to be able to speak with someone at the EPA regarding both the status of the HHS report on Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00014245-00002 PFAS and where things stand now regarding testing and clean-up of bases, and communications with those on base regarding their exposure to PFAS chemicals. Many thanks in advance for your time and help, Jen. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00014245-00003