State Receives More Than $9 Million For PFAS Clean Up

West Virginia is set to receive nearly $9.5 million from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help small and disadvantaged communities deal with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

PFAS are used in consumer products and industry to resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. They are present in food packaging, clothing, nonstick cookware and cosmetics. They may lead to adverse health risks like certain cancers. They are also known as “forever chemicals” since they do not readily break down. 

West Virginia saw several PFAS leaks in recent years, notably in Martinsburg and Parkersburg. The leaks at the Dupont Chemical Washington Works plant was also made into the feature film “Dark Waters.”   

The money is through the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant program to ensure clean water for all. It is available for communities, drinking water systems and private well owners to help with testing, planning and infrastructure projects addressing PFAS and other emerging contaminants. 

“Across the Mid-Atlantic, we’re turning commitment into action — backed by gold standard science and the Safe Drinking Water Act — to confront PFAS across its lifecycle,” EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey said. “Our approach supports water systems on the front lines, stops pollution at the source, and sets durable, enforceable standards for PFOA and PFOS that protect our communities and will stand up to scrutiny.” 

The EC-SDC grant program is a $1 billion national investment that helps communities address PFAS and other emerging contaminants.  

Additionally, EPA’s new PFAS OUTreach — or PFAS OUT — initiative is accelerating progress in addressing PFAS in drinking water. This new program proactively works with communities and water systems to reduce exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water.  

Recognizing that small, rural and disadvantaged water systems often have fewer resources, PFAS OUT is specifically designed to ensure these communities are not left behind. PFAS OUT will help every drinking water system dealing with PFOA or PFOS to effectively understand the challenge and reduce exposure as soon as possible while positioning them for successful compliance with enforceable drinking water standards. 

EPA’s multifaceted approach to reducing exposure to PFAS in drinking water also includes two proposed rules for public comment that uphold the National Primary Drinking Water Standards PFOA and PFOS while enhancing practical implementation and correcting the Biden-Harris Administration’s failure to follow the clear requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

Together with EPA’s parallel work to address PFAS before it enters the environment, EPA is delivering real solutions to reduce PFAS exposure for all Americans. 

Visit the EPA’s website for more information on the Emerging Contaminants — Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant program information.