We measure contamination to promote solutions
We support citizen science projects to measure contaminants in water, sludge, and soil, working with chapters and communities.
The Alabama Chapter released their report showing PFAS contamination in surface waters across the state. The Toxics/PFAS Subteam helped with the design of the sampling, interpretation of the results, and drafting of the report.
Press release from Alabama Chapter. https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2026/02/sierra-club-report-pfas-found-nearly-all-alabama-s-waterways
The PBS show Frontline showed how the carpet industry has contributed to PFAS contamination in the south in a show also released in February. Contaminated: The Carpet Industry's Toxic Legacy
The Tennessee Chapter is working to address PFAS in sewage sludge that is applied to farm lands as well as PFAS that are widespread in Tennessee surface waters. The Toxics Team provided contributed toward sampling of water and sludge.
See the story on the Tennessee chapter website.
We attack systems that spread dangerous contaminants
Wastewater systems distribute dangerous chemicals into communities and ecosystems
In 2024-2025, we analyzed the distribution of PFAS through wastewater systems, through wastewater treatments plants, and then into sludges and liquids with a lof of PFAS that were applied onto lands including farmlands, released to the air at incinerator, or placed into solid waste facilities.
We reviewed the EPA analysis of risks from PFAS in sewage sludge and submitted comments recommending actions to address the risks identified. For example, see the Sierra Club comments on the EPA risk assessment for PFAS chemicals in sludge, posted to the docket.
We presented a poster at the 2024 PFAS conference showing the connections from sources of PFAS through wastewater systems to farmlands.
We analyze data from federal and state monitoring programs to see what it means for states and communities
One of our team members analyzed data collected by the State of Massachusetts to understand how many communities are affected by wastewater treatment plants that are contaminated by PFAS. The results were presented in April at the NEWMOA Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS in the poster session.
We contribute to important convenings
One of our members was a featured speaker addressing occupational exposures to PFAS in the chemical industry. Denise Trabbic- Pointer, former Dupont employee, participated in the panel on Worker Rights and Protections (or lack thereof).
We presented two posters as well.
We will be participating in the 2026 conference in Tucson in June.
Northeast Conference on PFAS April 2026 -- Northeast Waste Management Organization Agencies
As noted above. one of our team members analyzed data collected by the State of Massachusetts to understand how many communities are affected by wastewater treatment plants that are contaminated by PFAS. The results were presented in April at the NEWMOA Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS in the poster session.
We oppose uses and releases of highly toxic and persistent compounds
Reporting of manufacturing and importing of dangerous compounds is essential
At the end of 2025, we commented on EPA's proposal to roll back requirements in the Toxic Substances Control Act to require reporting of imports and manufacutirng of PFAS compounds. See the Sierra Club Comments to Docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0559.Reporting and Recordkeeping for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances under Section 8(a)(7) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Original links cited
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/contaminated-the-carpet-industrys-toxic-legacy/
https://www.newmoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Poster-Directory-v4.pdf
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0549/comments?filter=sierra%20club
https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/Denise+Trabbic-Pointer%E2%80%93+former+DuPont+worker/1_ur92lz8l
https://www.nationalpfasconference.org/2024
https://pfas2026.vfairs.com/