October ’24 at-a-glance … environment

EPA proposes increasing list of reportable PFAS 

The U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) proposes adding 16 individual PFAS and 15 PFAS categories representing over 100 individual PFAS, to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Doing so would identify the PFAS as chemicals of special concern, subjecting their use to more robust reporting requirements, including reporting even for small concentrations. Comments are due Nov. 7.  

Canada PFAS reports due early next year 

Canada’s new PFAS reporting rule requires manufacturers and importers of PFAS to collect and report information on 312 PFAS by Jan. 29, 2025. The rule specifically identifies cookware and utensils that contact heated food, plus food processing equipment including conveyor belts, trays, vats, nozzles, molds and cutters that contact foods or beverages before packaging and distribution. All businesses with five or more employees, or more than $30,000 in annual gross revenue, are required to report.  

California seeks input on potential dipper well water and energy efficiency standards

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is in the pre-rulemaking phase to improve the water efficiency of dipper wells. The CEC will consider establishing efficiency standards, test procedures, marking requirements, certification requirements, and any other appropriate regulations for dipper wells. The Request for Information (RFI) and a separate file on a suggested test method are included here. Comments are due Nov. 8.  

Comments are due Oct. 25 on a separate CEC RFI seeking data that could inform future efficiency standards, test procedures and marking requirements for commercial ovens. The RFI addresses convection, conveyor, slow cook-and-hold, deck, hearth, microwave, range, rapid-cook, rotisserie and reel-type ovens.  

NAFEM previously provided comments to the CEC on the state’s initial RFI seeking information on potential energy-efficiency standards for gas- and electric-powered commercial steam cookers, convection ovens, dishwashers and fryers.