Environmental Industry Updates
The Latest News on Scientific and Regulatory Updates from Merit Laboratories
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is deploying drones to fly over Lake Margrethe to search for cold water springs that could be carrying PFAS contamination into the lake near Camp Grayling. The MDEQ believes this is the first-ever usage of drones to search for PFAS contamination.
While testing for PFAS in water sample matrices captures most of the attention, the analysis of soil for PFAS is growing in importance. Environmental scientists are working hard to identify and investigate the presence of PFAS contamination in soil. Soil site investigation efforts are increasing in importance as regulatory agencies and communities are looking to identify the sources of PFAS contamination.
In May, we shared with you information about a national PFAS contamination site tracker being maintained by Northeastern University’s Social Science Environmental Health Institute (SSEHRI). At the time, there were 17 sites in Michigan on the SSEHRI PFAS Contamination Site Tracker list. In just four months, the number has increased to now include 28 Michigan sites with PFAS contamination.
The State of Michigan has started posting PFAS testing results from the statewide drinking water initiative for schools using well water. The state has created a database of PFAS results for public review. The school drinking water results are posted here. The second part of the statewide initiative involves PFAS testing of public water supplies and these results are posted here.
Merit Laboratories is the first environmental laboratory in Michigan to achieve certification for the analysis of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Merit is ISO/IEC 17025-certified for the analysis of PFAS by two analytical mehods. EPA 537 for drinking water testing and ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution for testing wastewater, groundwater, and surface water.
As more sites are identified with PFAS contamination in Michigan, the state’s Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) is taking steps to communicate with state residents and interested parties. One such step is the creation of the PFAS Response website. This site provides information on PFAS sites in Michigan, health, wildlife, and testing and treatment. MPART published a statement on PFAS Testing and Treatment.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) recently issued guidance on wastewater sample collection for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The wastewater sampling guidance can be used for compliance with the new PFAS Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) requirements. The wastewater PFAS sampling guidance covers sampling equipment, equipment decontamination, sample collection and handling, field clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sample shipment.
The U.S. EPA is making plans for community engagement events in states that are being impacted by PFAS contamination. The first two states listed for the community engagement events are New Hampshire and Michigan.
Sample collection for PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) requires an experienced environmental professional to eliminate and reduce potential field issues that could impact analytical test results. To support our clients’ PFAS sample collection efforts, Merit provides sample collection kits to ensure the proper sample volume is collected, along with appropriate preservatives and sample containers.
It must be noted that the sample collection container type, volume, and preservatives are dependent upon the sample matrix and analytical method. Here are the standard guidelines for the PFAS sample collection kits provided by Merit:
