Read the full article by Scott Dean (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)
“The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has established a new Water Quality Value (WQV) for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and has revised the existing WQV for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA and PFBS are members of the larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). WQVs are designed to protect the designated uses of Michigan’s surface waters, including protections for aquatic life and public health.
The agency’s Water Resources Division (WRD) determined that sufficient data was available to generate human health and aquatic life values for PFBS. Following the risk assessment method provided in Rule 323.1057 (‘Rule 57’), a PFBS concentration of 670,000 parts per trillion (ppt; or nanograms per liter) was set for surface water to be broadly protective of human health and 8,300 ppt for surface water specifically protected as a drinking water source. While aquatic life values were established, the human health values are lower and thereby provide a more conservative endpoint with the overall goal of protecting water quality.
For PFOA, an update to the existing WQV from 2011 was undertaken after a review of current science indicated that a revision was needed to ensure the public and environment are protected from adverse effects. The revised human health values for PFOA are 170 ppt for surface water (from 12,000 ppt previously) and 66 ppt for surface water protected as a drinking water source (from 420 ppt, previously).” …