Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act
The Department of Defense PFAS Discharge Prevention Act would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to push for changes to stormwater permits that apply to DoD facilities. Specifically, within one year of enactment, DoD must seek permit modifications (from the state agencies that issue permits or from the Environmental Protection Agency) to require: (1) PFAS monitoring in stormwater discharges at least quarterly, and (2) the use of appropriate best management practices or treatment technologies to reduce PFAS discharges. In addition, the bill directs that at least 1% of funds available for PFAS remediation each fiscal year be used for testing PFAS in stormwater runoff at DoD facilities. The goal is to tighten oversight and testing of PFAS releases from DoD operations and advance cleanup efforts.
Key Points
- 1DoD must request permit modifications within one year to require quarterly PFAS monitoring and relevant control measures for stormwater discharges at DoD facilities.
- 2The effort applies to any National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) that covers a DoD facility, with modifications sought from the issuing state or the EPA.
- 3Monitoring frequency: discharges must be tested for PFAS not less than every quarter (four times per year).
- 4BMPs/controls: permits must require appropriate best management practices or treatment technologies to reduce PFAS discharges in line with the Clean Water Act.
- 5Funding requirement: of the PFAS remediation funds available each fiscal year, at least 1% must be spent on testing PFAS in stormwater runoff at DoD facilities.