Bill > SB219

This bill mandates that the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) annually test the drinking water from all public water systems for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a group of man-made chemicals found in many products. If a PFAS release occurs near a water supply, the DEC must test that supply and, if contamination levels exceed established limits, provide affected residents with an alternative source of safe drinking water at no cost. The bill also clarifies liability for PFAS contamination, making individuals or manufacturers responsible for testing and replacement water costs depending on whether they followed regulations and manufacturer instructions when using and disposing of PFAS-containing products; this liability provision applies retroactively to past releases. Furthermore, any facility thermally remediating PFAS contamination must obtain a permit under the Clean Air Act and cannot receive or keep a permit if the remediation process releases more than a minimal amount of airborne compounds containing carbon-fluorine bonds, as determined by specific testing methods.

Government Affairs

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB219