By Karen Melton, Member, Southeastern Pennsylvania Group and Sylvanian volunteer
Here are more recent news stories related to PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they do not break down. Widely used for decades in applications ranging from fire suppression foam to cookware non-stick coatings, they are found in our water, air, and soil and have been linked to cancers, liver and thyroid disease, and other health issues. About 45% of tap water contains one or more PFAS, according to a 2023 study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
In July, the first part of a large-scale study on PFAS in people’s blood was released. Nearly 6,000 people from eight states, including residents of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, were tested, and 4 PFAS compounds (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA) were found in the blood of almost every adult and child. Extensive health data was also collected to be cross-tabulated with the blood results. Findings are to be reported later this summer.
In June, French company Veolia opened a new facility in Delaware that removes PFAS from the Red Clay and White Clay Creeks flowing in from Chester County. The Veolia Stanton Water Treatment Plant is reportedly the largest PFAS treatment facility in the Northeast. The plant filters approximately 30,000 gallons of water a day through 22-foot-tall containers of salty powdered carbon. The treated water serves around 100,000 customers in the Newark, Claymont, and Red Lion, Delaware areas. Veolia, a leader in this industry, expects to build many more such plants in the U.S.
A decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may issue rules requiring cleanup of substances that have not yet been officially designated as hazardous. The hazardous designation process can take years and requires legislative approval. DNR had issued PFAS cleanup rules, and the state’s largest business group, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, sued, arguing that PFAS had not yet been declared hazardous. The ruling allows DNR to continue its cleanup requirements and enforcement.
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized regulations establishing limits on PFAS in drinking water. Municipalities would be required to install filtering systems by 2029. But in May, the EPA announced it was extending the deadline to 2031, and was preparing to modify the regulations to apply only to the PFAS known as PFOA and PFOS, while other forms of PFAS would remain unregulated.
This blog was included as part of the August 2025 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!