Arizona’s PFAS Mitigation Plans: A Race Against the EPA Deadline, but Critics Call for More Action

Invasive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been detected in the bloodstream of roughly 97% of Americans, many of whom unknowingly consume them through contaminated water and products.

Manufactured since the 1940s, these man-made chemicals—which include about 14,000 variations—are integral to numerous consumer and industrial applications like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, and firefighting foam due to their resistance to grease, oil, and water.

Recent data reveals that water systems across the United States, serving between 83 and 105 million individuals, have PFAS concentrations exceeding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. To combat this crisis, Arizona has initiated eight projects aimed at addressing contamination.

Kyla Bennett, a science policy adviser at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, criticized the continued allowance of PFAS, stating that it is “despicable and outrageous” for Americans to be exposed to these chemicals for convenience.

Research has linked PFAS to serious health outcomes, including cancer, infertility, developmental issues, and liver damage. Dr. Katie Pelch from the Natural Resources Defense Council emphasized the urgent need to decrease unnecessary PFAS usage.

This past April, the EPA introduced a national drinking water standard designed to mitigate PFAS exposure for nearly 100 million Americans, projecting to “prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses.” The standard sets enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds.

Under this regulation, public water systems must begin monitoring contamination by 2027. Should contamination levels surpass established limits, comprehensive solutions for reducing PFAS must be implemented by 2029. However, adhering to these mandates is expected to cost around $1.5 billion annually.

Funding from the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $9 billion to specifically address PFAS contamination, alongside an additional $12 billion directed towards overall drinking water improvements.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is undertaking tests for 29 different PFAS across approximately 950 water systems statewide, with a preliminary 10% identifying levels above the EPA’s threshold as of April.

In response, the ADEQ has rolled out a statewide PFAS mitigation plan which has catalyzed early efforts in eight contaminated communities. For instance, Star Valley in Gila County recently announced a state-funded project to tackle contaminants by building a booster pump station. This facility will help ensure safe drinking water delivery to three smaller nearby systems.

Proactively, Star Valley has also shut down three wells that tested positive for PFAS, emphasizing their commitment to clean water until a permanent solution is finalized.

Similar initiatives are underway in Globe and Payson to combat PFAS in their water supplies. Notably, about $30 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been allocated to the Tucson region, benefiting communities including Marana and Tucson.

Tucson Water intends to use its share of the funding for a second drinking water treatment facility, aiming to keep PFAS levels below the EPA’s acceptable limit. John Kmiec, director of Tucson Water, confirmed that by temporarily halting the use of certain wells, the city has managed to keep its water PFAS-free, though the aquifer remains at risk.

With ongoing contamination assessments at Tucson International Airport and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson Water is coordinating with local military and airport authorities to address these issues. The use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam, prevalent in firefighting, has been flagged as a significant contributor to local PFAS pollution.

In light of recent inquiries, the Department of the Air Force plans to conduct studies on PFAS contamination at local military bases, revealing a willingness to collaborate on mitigation costs with the city of Tucson and the Tucson Airport Authority.

Despite progress, criticism persists regarding the EPA’s approach to PFAS mitigation. Reports from the Government Accountability Office indicate that 77% of public water systems have not yet implemented effective PFAS treatment strategies, largely due to vague disposal guidelines from the EPA.

Bennett from PEER raised concerns over the EPA’s lack of a coherent strategy in addressing PFAS, arguing for stricter definitions and limited applications of these harmful chemicals, which she believes undermines the EPA’s mission to protect public health and the environment.