Health Concerns on Community
Lawsuits happening in Georgia:
“The EPA has found that PFAS are likely to cause an array of adverse health and environmental effects, including but not limited to, low birth weight in children, miscarriage, and cancer. The current scientific consensus is that there is no safe level of PFAS in drinking water,” the complaint states. “The Defendants in this case, which belong to a variety of different industries, have all caused or contributed to these toxic chemicals invading the Plaintiff’s source water supply that is used to produce drinking water.”
https://thecurrentga.org/2025/02/18/savannah-sues-pfas-polluters-seeks-water-treatment-funds/
Clayton County, Austell and Covington are among 11 water systems out of 52 tested so far that reported contamination by so-called “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, the acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Widespread PFAS contamination of drinking water systems has been found in recent years around the United States — including in Georgia — since EPA issued health advisories based on new studies showing the chemicals are more toxic at lower levels than scientists previously thought.
PFAs, forever chemicals:
The types and uses of PFAs change over time, which makes it challenging to track and access how exposure to these chemicals occurs and how they will affect human health. Industrial workers who are involved in making or processing PFAs or people who live or recreate near these facilities may have a greater exposure to PFAs.
Get involved on EPA reguations here:
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/get-involved-epa-regulations
**Please continue to check back for more information will be added.**
Education:
PFAS "perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" refers to a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals with specific heat-, grease-, and water-resistant characteristics. PFAS entered the homes of everyday Americans in the 1940s and can be found in at least 200 different use categories and applications (firefighting foam, food wrappers, cosmetics, clothing, cookware, and household products).
PFAS possess a chemical structure that makes them extremely difficult to break down. Wide useage over many decades has led to the presence of PFAS in soil and water, thus leading to the contamination of fertilizer, livestock and drinking water.
Forever chemicals can cause health issues, including reduced fertility, childhood development problems, and increase cancer risk.
https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/issue-brief-the-state-of-pfas-forever-chemicals-in-america-2024
Industrial waste water operations can range from pretreatment to full-scale treatment processes. In a typical pretreatment facility, process and/or sanitary waste water and/or storm water runoff is collected, equalized, and/or neutralized and then discharged to a municipal waste water plant, also known as a publicly owned treatment works (POTWs), where it is then typically treated further by biodegradation.
The following PDF explains more about INDUSTRIAL WWTP
https://www3.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/ch04/final/c4s03.pdf
Articles on Forever Chemicals:
January 2025
'Forever Chemicals' Reach Tap Water via Treated Sewage, Study Finds
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/climate/forever-chemicals-pfas-sewage-drinking-water.html
Forever chemicals in wastewater far more widespread than previously known, new multi-university study reveals. Reseach shows that even advanced wastewater treatment removes less than 25% of these compounds before they're discharged into rivers and streams.
Article on microplastics:
"The gradual release of MPs into the water causes serious environmental and health problems. Because of the lack of modern waste management, even water sources with a small population living around it contain high MP pollution."
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X22001448
"Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) clean wastewater and minimize water pollution; but, while doing so, they also contribute to air pollution and need energy/material input with associated emissions"
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135
Lawsuits happening in Georgia:
“The EPA has found that PFAS are likely to cause an array of adverse health and environmental effects, including but not limited to, low birth weight in children, miscarriage, and cancer. The current scientific consensus is that there is no safe level of PFAS in drinking water,” the complaint states. “The Defendants in this case, which belong to a variety of different industries, have all caused or contributed to these toxic chemicals invading the Plaintiff’s source water supply that is used to produce drinking water.”
https://thecurrentga.org/2025/02/18/savannah-sues-pfas-polluters-seeks-water-treatment-funds/
Clayton County, Austell and Covington are among 11 water systems out of 52 tested so far that reported contamination by so-called “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS, the acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Widespread PFAS contamination of drinking water systems has been found in recent years around the United States — including in Georgia — since EPA issued health advisories based on new studies showing the chemicals are more toxic at lower levels than scientists previously thought.
Addional info:
EPA sets first ever national drinking water standard (2024) to protect 100M from PFAS pollution
Navigating PFAS liability
Links Below Regarding WWTP, Forever Chemicals & MicroPlastics
What specific concerns do people have about wastewater treatment plants and forever chemicals?
People are increasingly concerned about the presence of "forever chemicals," or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), in the Broad River and other water sources. These chemicals don't break down naturally and can accumulate in the environment and in our bodies, leading to potential health problems. Specific concerns include the potential for contamination of drinking water, impacts on aquatic life, and the lack of comprehensive regulations and monitoring of PFAS in wastewater treatment plants.
In simple terms, how does the wastewater treatment process work, and where do forever chemicals come into play?
Wastewater treatment is a multi-stage process that removes pollutants from sewage and industrial wastewater. Generally, it involves physical processes like screening and sedimentation, followed by biological treatment to break down organic matter. Unfortunately, conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to effectively remove PFAS. These chemicals can enter the system from various sources, including industrial discharge, household products, and firefighting foam. As a result, PFAS often pass through the treatment process and end up being discharged into rivers and other waterways, like the Broad River.
What actions can individuals take to reduce forever chemicals in the Broad River and protect our community's water supply?
Individuals can play a crucial role in reducing PFAS contamination. Here are some steps you can take:
- Be mindful of products containing PFAS: Avoid purchasing products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, and some cosmetics that contain PFAS.
- Dispose of products properly: Check for guidelines on how to safely dispose of products containing PFAS to prevent them from entering the wastewater system.
- Support regulations and monitoring: Advocate for stricter regulations and increased monitoring of PFAS in wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharge.
- Educate yourself and others: Spread awareness about the issue of PFAS contamination and encourage others to take action.
- Conserve water: Reducing water usage can minimize the amount of wastewater generated, potentially lowering the overall load of PFAS entering the environment.
What actions can individuals take to stay informed or donate to the cause Save Broad River:
- To Join the Movement please follow the link and add your email for updates regarding upcoming meetings.
- You can print the PDF document and help pass this out to the community. Getting the word out is so important.
- Donate here to help support Save Broad River