EJQ4 - Spring 2025 - Journal - Page 17
course of issuing its drinking water quality objective to address 25 noteworthy PFAS. The Ontario environment ministry has also authorized SGS
to use Method 1633 for drinking water testing in Ontario. In fact, Chandramouli says SGS was involved in the early stages of research at Jack
Garland Airport and used Method 1633 to measure PFAS. “The nice thing
about the Canadian system is we take the best methods from every regulatory agency available and, as long as it’s applicable to Canadian work,
we can use it here.”
With PFAS so prevalent and the vast majority of class members continuing to defy even basic identi昀椀cation and measurement, remediation
stands to require patience and a persistence to match that of the forever
chemicals themselves.
“PFAS are so ubiquitous that it’s not feasible to expect to be able to tackle PFAS everywhere,” says Stefano Marconetto, emerging contaminants
practice lead with engineering and consulting 昀椀rm WSP. “The key is to
focus on where the main problems are. That means the most PFAS in
terms of mass, not just concentration, and where the most sensitive receptors or the biggest issue may be for people and the environment. It’s
critical to be able to focus on the areas with the most elevated risks, to
limit exposure. And, as we’re able to tackle and address those, over time
we can then expand to others.”
Call to comment
On March 6, 2025, the federal government released the State of Per- and
Poly昀氀uoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report. The report concludes that the
class of PFAS, excluding 昀氀uoropolymers, is harmful to human health and
the environment. Beginning in 2025, the Government of Canada will also
require manufacturing and other facilities to report the use of PFAS to
the National Pollutant Release Inventory. This data will improve understanding of how PFAS are used in Canada, help evaluate possible industrial PFAS contamination, and support e昀昀orts to reduce environmental and
human exposure to harmful substances.
Canadians are invited to comment on the Risk Management Approach
and the Proposed Order to add the class of PFAS, excluding 昀氀uoropolymers, to Part 2 of Schedule 1 to CEPA, until May 7, 2025.
Saul Chernos is a Freelance Writer based in Toronto, Ont.
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