ALBANY – The state’s Drinking Water Quality Council recommended maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for PFOA, PFOS and 1,4-dioxane that are significantly lower than EPA recommended levels.
The council on Tuesday recommended MCL of 10 parts per trillion for each PFOA and PFOS and one part per billion for 1,4-dioxane. The EPA had recommended MCLs for the PFAS group at 70 parts per trillion.
The recommendation could have a significant impact on the future of the City of Newburgh’s drinking water, which has been found to contain high levels of PFOA and PFOS and Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh) supports setting the lower levels.
“Washington Lake is still not drinkable for residents of the City of Newburgh due to the toxic PFOA and PFOS emanating from Stewart Airport,” Jacobson said. “I am glad the state is on its way to implement strict standards. We must safeguard New York State from these toxic chemicals.”
Liz Moran, environmental policy director for NYPIRG said residents of Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, Long Island, and all New Yorkers, can now take some solace knowing New York State is at long last taking a clear step forward to monitor and protect the public from previously unregulated toxic chemicals.”
