PFAS Detection Act of 2019

To require the Director of the United States Geological Survey to perform a nationwide survey of perfluorinated compounds, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the PFAS Detection Act of 2019 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator (2) Director The term Director (3) Perfluorinated compound (A) In general The term perfluorinated compound (B) Definitions In this definition: (i) Fully fluorinated carbon atom The term fully fluorinated carbon atom (ii) Nonfluorinated carbon atom The term nonfluorinated carbon atom (iii) Partially fluorinated carbon atom The term partially fluorinated carbon atom (iv) Perfluoroalkyl substance The term perfluoroalkyl substance (v) Polyfluoroalkyl substance The term polyfluoroalkyl substance 3. Performance standard for the detection of perfluorinated compounds (a) In general The Director shall establish a performance standard for the detection of perfluorinated compounds. (b) Emphasis (1) In general In developing the performance standard under subsection (a), the Director shall emphasize the ability to detect as many perfluorinated compounds present in the environment as possible using analytical methods that are as sensitive as is feasible and practicable. (2) Requirement In developing the performance standard under subsection (a), the Director may— (A) develop quality assurance and quality control measures to ensure accurate sampling and testing; (B) develop a training program with respect to the appropriate method of sample collection and analysis of perfluorinated compounds; and (C) coordinate as necessary with the Administrator to develop methods to detect individual and different perfluorinated compounds simultaneously. 4. Nationwide sampling (a) In general The Director shall carry out a nationwide sampling to determine the concentration of perfluorinated compounds in estuaries, lakes, streams, springs, wells, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and soil using the performance standard developed under section 3(a). (b) Requirements In carrying out the sampling under subsection (a), the Director shall— (1) first carry out the sampling at sources of drinking water near locations with known or suspected releases of perfluorinated compounds; (2) when carrying out sampling of sources of drinking water under paragraph (1), carry out the sampling prior to any treatment of the water; (3) survey for ecological exposure to perfluorinated compounds, with a priority in determining direct human exposure through drinking water; and (4) consult with— (A) States to determine areas that are a priority for sampling; and (B) the Administrator— (i) to enhance coverage of the sampling; and (ii) to avoid unnecessary duplication. (c) Report Not later than 90 days after the completion of the sampling under subsection (a), the Director shall prepare a report describing the results of the sampling and submit the report to— (1) the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; (2) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; (3) the Senators of each State in which the Director carried out the sampling; and (4) each Member of the House of Representatives that represents a district in which the Director carried out the sampling. 5. Data usage (a) In general The Director shall provide the sampling data collected under section 4 to— (1) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (2) other Federal and State regulatory agencies on request. (b) Usage The sampling data provided under subsection (a) shall be used to inform and enhance assessments of exposure, likely health and environmental impacts, and remediation priorities. 6. Collaboration In carrying out this Act, the Director shall collaborate with— (1) appropriate Federal and State regulators; (2) institutions of higher education; (3) research institutions; and (4) other expert stakeholders. 7. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this Act— (1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and (2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2024.

Summary: PFAS Detection Act of 2019 This bill sets forth requirements for detecting and sampling perfluorinated compounds. Perfluorinated compounds are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain perfluorinated compounds, such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and fire-fighting foams. The bill requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a performance standard for the detection of perfluorinated compounds. Using such standard, the USGS must carry out a nationwide sampling to determine the concentration of perfluorinated compounds in estuaries, lakes, streams, springs, wells, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and soil. The sampling data must then be used to inform and enhance assessments of exposure, likely health and environmental impacts, and remediation priorities.