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DEC Contact:  Maureen Wren (518) 402-8000
PressOffice@dec.ny.gov

January 15, 2021

Statement from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos

on New Investigation of Potential PFAS Contamination

“I am directing my staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation to work with their expert colleagues at the Departments of Health and Agriculture and Markets to take a hard look at new science shared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about potential PFAS contamination in consumer products, including insecticides, pesticides, and other crop protectant products packaged in fluorinated HDPE containers. As a first step, DEC is moving swiftly to quarantine Anvil 10+10 products statewide. In addition, we are launching a comprehensive investigation into the universe and use of products stored in these containers and will take all actions necessary to protect public health and the environment.”

 

BACKGROUND

As part of New York’s nation-leading, science-driven research and policy approach to PFAS contamination, DEC is conducting a statewide investigation of potential sources to ensure any possible public or environmental exposure to contamination is addressed. A key part of New York's proactive response to these emerging contaminants was the establishment of drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for two predominant PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS. At the recommendation of New York State’s Drinking Water Quality Council, the Department of Health promulgated regulations establishing MCLs for PFOA and PFOS at 10 parts per trillion, which is among the strictest MCLs in the nation for these chemicals.

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