Activist Group Identifies Nearly 30,000 “Suspected” Industrial PFAS Dischargers

Based on their new analysis of government data, the activist Environmental Working Group (EWG) projects that nearly 30,000 industrial sites may be using, making or releasing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) -- a number much larger than previously identified estimates. 

In releasing an updated map of PFAS manufacturers and users, EWG said that the industrial sites are not known dischargers of the substances, but they are known or suspected to make, use or release the chemicals.  EWG has long tracked PFAS issues, identifying areas where the persistent class of chemicals has impacted water supplies, and advocating for regulatory action.

The EWG analysis broke down the sites by industry sector, which appear to be more heavily concentrated in the eastern half of the country.  According to this breakdown, EWG says that of the sites on its list, more than 4,700 use PFAS for electroplating and polishing; more than 3,000 are petroleum stations and terminals; more than 2,300 are chemical manufacturers; over 2,200 are metal product manufacturers; more than 2,100 are commercial printing facilities; over 1,800 are plastics and resin manufacturing sites; greater than 1,500 are paint and coating manufacturers; over 1,200 are semiconductor manufacturers; and more than 1,000 are electric component manufacturers.  EWG also stated that after adding landfills and sewage treatment plants, the estimated number of sites that could be discharging PFAS is more than 41,000.

Among that total, EWG estimates that 4,700 electroplating and polishing facilities discharge PFAS, with the surface finishing industry having the largest number of facilities discharging PFAS. EWG identified the companies and locations using a variety of government data, including EPA’s chemical data reporting rule database and its enforcement and compliance history online database, along with data from the Federal Aviation Administration and New York state.  It appears that EWG identified all facilities in these broad categories covering finishing without any reference to the use of PFAS or processes that contain PFAS. 

While the number of surface finishing facilities suspected of discharging PFAS is inaccurate and misleading, the net result is the EWG has clearly put surface finishing in the bull's eye as a large source of PFAS discharges. The surface finishing industry will need to continue to be vigilant in addressing the continually emerging PFAS issues.  NASF has met with EPA officials to point out flaws in the EWG analysis, provide clarification on the industry’s use of PFAS and highlight proactive  industry efforts to phase out use and minimize future releases of PFAS from the surface finishing industry.

This update is courtesy of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). For more information or to become a member, visit nasf.org.