DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation (DER) has prioritized identifying Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) source sites that could pose exposure concerns to human or environmental health. DER conducted multiple industry surveys to identify potential PFAS source sites and PFAS required sampling at existing remedial sites to ensure that PFAS are addressed. Through these efforts DER has identified numerous potential PFAS sites that require environmental investigations.
Understanding how widespread PFAS are in New York’s environment is key to understanding how to address these contaminants, prompting DER to conduct a Rural Soil Background Study to better understand the amount of anthropogenic PFAS in soils that is not directly linked to a specific site or localized industrial source.
Actions Taken to Address Contamination
NEW
DEC Rural Background Study for PFAS
DEC is developing soil cleanup standards for Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). As part of that effort, DEC was required to consider rural soil background concentrations.
- In 2023, a total of 548 soil samples were collected at 116 properties. All properties were remote from known sources of PFAS
- PFOS was detected in over 97% of surface soil samples. PFOA was detected in 76.5%. Other PFAS chemicals were also detected.
- There was no obvious clustering or pattern in the spatial distribution of PFOA or PFOS.
- Results were similar to those seen in other northeastern states.
Based on the analysis completed by DEC’s Consultant, AECOM, DEC proposes to use the Upper Tolerance Limit (95-95 UTL) to establish soil background concentrations of 3.0 ug/kg (ppb) for PFOS and 1.5 ug/kg (pb) for PFOA.
DEC will consider these results in developing soil cleanup requirements for PFOA and PFOS in a planned rulemaking to update 6NYCRR Part 375.
Statewide PFAS Survey
DEC has surveyed fire departments, fire training centers, bulk storage facilities, airports, and Department of Defense (DoD) facilities to identify if they have used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) that can contain PFAS. DEC has also surveyed select businesses that may use dispersants used in Teflon coating operations. and dispersants used in Teflon coating operations. The responses from prior surveys are below and will be updated with additional planned survey work.
- PFOA/PFOS Facility Identification Survey (Survey 1) (PDF)
- Class B Fire Suppression Foam Usage Survey - Fire Departments, Bulk Storage Facilities, Airports, DOD Facilities (Survey 2) (PDF)
- Class B Fire Suppression Foam Usage Survey - New York State Fire Training Centers (Survey 3) (PDF)
The information gathered through DEC's survey efforts is being used to identify and investigate water quality in areas where a potential for PFAS contamination may exist. This process involves identifying facilities that used, stored, disposed of, or manufactured PFOA or PFOS-containing materials, and whether those facilities are near any public or private drinking water supply wells.
Facilities that meet these criteria have been evaluated for possible well sampling for PFAS. As additional independent information comes to the attention of DEC, that information is also used to determine if additional evaluation of a facility is needed.
PFAS Sampling and Analysis Guidelines
To ensure consistency in DEC’s response to PFAS, DEC developed the Sampling, Analysis and Assessment of Per and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances under NYSDEC's Part 375 Remedial Programs technical guidance document (April 2023) (PDF). It includes sections on recommended field sampling procedures, data assessment and screening, testing for imported soil, and analysis and reporting of results. Appendices to the document include guidelines on quality assurance/quality control plan preparation, field sampling protocols for various media, laboratory criteria, and data quality review.
Since promulgating the PFAS sampling guidance document, DEC has required analysis of PFAS at all remediation sites. DEC is working to remove the stigma of this being an “emerging contaminant” with PFAS now being a routine part of site investigations.
Investigation of PFAS Sites
DEC performs Site Characterizations to determine if potential PFAS sites pose significant threats to human or environmental health. The investigation process for potential PFAS sites is consistent with other contaminants of concern.
Sites that represent significant threat to human or environmental health are listed on the registry of Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites as Class 2 sites. Remedial Investigations/Feasibility Studies are then required to determine the full nature and extent of contamination and select remedies.
Communities Affected by PFAS
Actions Taken to Address Contamination
Since 2016, DEC has worked with the NYS Department of Health (DOH) to address elevated PFAS levels in water supplies in several communities in New York.
Find specific details for the following municipalities:
