HARRISBURG, PA — Following a joint United States Geological Survey and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) study that revealed PFAS are in surface water across the state, the DEP is continuing to take action to address the “forever chemicals.” Actions would include ramping up efforts across Pennsylvania to monitor water resources and using the study to develop standards for surface water.

Pennsylvania has been a proactive leader in addressing issues related to this emerging contaminant, particularly when it comes to drinking water and public safety, according to a news release from the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

The publication summarized the results from 161 streams and found 76 percent contained at least one type of PFAS. Based on the study’s results, DEP updated its surface-water monitoring strategy for PFAS and is currently taking more frequent samples in areas of concern. 

This monitoring will help DEP develop surface-water quality standards for PFAS that will allow DEP to limit PFAS discharges to surface waters through industrial discharge permits, the release stated.