STATEMENT: Maryland General Assembly Passes Bill to Monitor Discharge of Toxic “Forever Chemicals” from Some Large Industrial Users

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland General Assembly finalized legislation to mitigate and monitor PFAS discharge from large industrial users in bipartisan votes in the House of Delegates and State Senate. The bill (SB956/HB1153), sponsored by Sen. Hester and Del. Love, directs the Maryland Department of Environment to work with wastewater treatment plants to identify and require the testing and monitoring of discharge from some large industries that use PFAS chemicals.

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are used by industries to make things greaseproof and water resistant. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there is no safe level of some PFAS in drinking water. Accordingly, the EPA has proposed a maximum contamination limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for several PFAS, which advocates say is significantly more health protective than the previous limit of 70 ppt.

According to Maryland’s PFAS Action Plan, 14% of Maryland industries that responded to a survey reported having PFAS sources on-site. In some cases, manufacturers and users of these chemicals are discharging them directly into rivers, lakes and streams. Other companies might be “indirectly” discharging PFAS by sending it to treatment plants. This toxic pollution threatens not only our drinking water but also fish and wildlife. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) found PFAS in 75% of the water treatment plants it has tested. 

The EPA has made clear that states can restrict PFAS discharges under the Clean Water Act. 

In response Maryland PIRG Director Emily Scarr issued the following statement:

“All Maryland families deserve clean drinking water, and taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay to clean up contamination caused by polluting industries.

“We’re counting on the Maryland Department of the Environment to use every tool in its toolbox to stop industries from polluting our water with PFAS and other toxic chemicals.

“PFAS pose a particular risk to our children because they build up over time in our bodies. The risks simply outweigh the benefits. We need to clean up the damage already done – but unless we stop using these chemicals, the health and environmental risks will continue to compound.

“As the saying goes, ‘If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.’ “

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