Addressing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances at the Department of Energy
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
August 18, 2022
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In September 2021, the DOE Deputy Secretary issued a policy memorandum that addresses PFAS management for DOE operations.
The memorandum requires DOE to discontinue use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) except for use in actual fire emergencies; to have fire protection personnel wear PFAS-protective personal protective equipment; to suspend disposal of waste containing PFAS; and to report PFAS-containing AFFF releases or spills to DOE’s Occurrence Reporting and Processing System which supports mission safety and field oversight.
The policy also is intended to leverage the expertise of the National Laboratories to advance knowledge about PFAS contamination, its fate and transport in the environment, and innovative research and technological approaches to address it.