Adding several perfluorinated chemicals to the list of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maximum contaminant levels and establishes a cumulative total for the maximum contaminant level of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Impact
The introduction of HB 1618 is expected to have significant implications for state and local laws regarding environmental protection and public health. By instituting MCLs for these chemicals, the bill mandates that public water systems, schools, and local governments must undertake measures to comply with these new regulations. Preliminary assessments suggest that approximately 38 sites may fail to meet the newly established standards, necessitating immediate action through upgrades or remediation efforts. The associated costs for local municipalities could be substantial, leading to heightened scrutiny of municipal budgets and potentially increasing water rates as communities respond to the new regulatory framework.
Summary
House Bill 1618 aims to address environmental and public health concerns related to perfluorinated chemicals, commonly known as PFAS. The bill specifically adds several PFAS substances to the list of regulated contaminants under New Hampshire's law, setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for chemicals such as perfluorobutyrate (PFBA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). This legislative measure reflects a growing recognition of the need to monitor and regulate these harmful substances due to their persistence in the environment and potential health effects. The establishment of these standards marks a proactive step toward safeguarding water quality across the state.
Sentiment
Sentiment about HB 1618 varies among stakeholders. Advocates for environmental health and safety have generally expressed support for the bill, viewing it as a critical advancement in protecting public health and ensuring cleaner water. However, there are concerns from local municipalities about the financial implications of compliance. The costs associated with implementing the required changes could strain local resources and budgets, leading to unease among local officials regarding the feasibility of meeting these new standards without significant financial support from the state.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the financial burden imposed on local governments and the adequacy of support to assist them in implementing the mandated changes. Critics argue that without substantial state funding or resources, small towns and rural areas could struggle to comply with the new regulations, potentially leading to inequities in public health protections. Furthermore, there are discussions around the pace of regulation, with some suggesting that setting stricter standards could hinder local development efforts or lead to increased bureaucratic challenges for community governance.
An Act to Protect the Drinking Water for Consumers of Certain Water Systems by Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for Certain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
Requires certain water purveyors to identify, and use, alternative water supply source when perfluoralkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed maximum contaminant levels.
Requires DEP to study feasibility of using alternative water supply source when perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed maximum contaminant level.
Directs DEP to use funds from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination settlement with 3M Company for purchase of equipment to remediate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination.
Establishes maximum contaminant levels in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); sets such levels at no higher than 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and no higher than 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA).
Establishes maximum contaminant levels in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); sets such levels at no higher than 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and no higher than 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA).
Directs DEP to use funds from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination settlement with 3M Company for purchase of equipment to remediate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination.
Requires certain water purveyors to identify, and use, alternative water supply source when perfluoralkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed maximum contaminant levels.