DEQ-CFW_00074141

June 5, 2017
PFAS Methods Call with ECOS/States
May 22, 2017
4:00-5:00 pm ET
State Participants:
Mark Smith (MA), Robert "Bob" Delaney (MI), Clark Freise (NH), Jason Fagel (NY), Nik Dzamov, Jen Allen
and Susan Kessler (Ohio EPA), Nicole Marz (OR), Kelly Matthews (WA), Chuck Schwer (VT), Sarah Grace
Longsworth (ECOS), Alan Roberson and Darrell Osterhoudt (ASDWA)
Also Janice Willey (Navy/ITRC PFAS team analytical methods workgroup co-chair with Bob Delaney/MI)
EPA Participants:
Chris Impellitteri (ORD), Cindy Caporale (Region 3), Steven Foster, Linda Gaines and Jodi? (OLEM), Betsy
Behl (OW), Bobbi Carter - Region 4 (ORD lead region coordinator), Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, Kacee
Deener and Lynn Flowers (ORD), Lisa Matthews/State Liaison (ORD State Liaison)
The purpose of this call was to share information on PFAS analytical methods work and provide
background in summary of the March 27th call. The EPA PFAS Analytical Methods Workgroup (co-chairs:
Cindy Caporale, Region 3; Schatzi Fitz -James, OLEM; and Chris Impellitteri, ORD) provided updates and
states shared information.
Chris Impellitteri:
- Regarding the Drinking Water Method 537:
— There are 6 per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) under the 3Id Unregulated
Contaminants monitoring rule (UCMR3)
— Eight additional PFAS not listed on UCMR3
— Finished (treated) drinking water samples
- Non-DW Sample Methods
— Focus is to be towards simplicity, robustness, production lab use, and minimizing sample
transfers, extractions, filter steps, chemical additions (e.g. pH adjustments)
— Find a balance among sensitivity, ease of implementation, and monitoring requirements
Method Validation: Ground, Surface, and Waste Waters
— 24 PFAS (including all target analytics in EPA Method 537)
— Methods under consideration (all using LC/MS/MS)
• Direct injection
• Solid phase extraction (with and without radio -labeled internal standard
correction (i.e., isotope dilution)
— Direct injection based on EPA Region 5/Chicago Regional Laboratory Method (in the
middle of this and hope to have all data in ^2 weeks [and then] run statistical analyses)
• Similar to draft American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method
D7979
Phase 1: 5 internal (EPA) lab validation (commenced in April 2017)
Phase 2: 5 external (outside of EPA) lab validation (—August 2017)
— Looking at working with APHL on Phase 2 validation studies (Kacee
Deener, EPA POC)
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June 5, 2017
— EPA is also interested in talking with ECOS about states to participate in
Phase 2 validation (Lisa Matthews, EPA POC)
— Target Detection Limits: 10's nanogram/L
• Bob Delaney (MI) stated this likely will be a problem for them, as it is difficult to
get into the heart of a plume —1-200 ppt detection limit. Will be difficult for
federal facilities.
— Assess methods through spring/summer 2017
— Publish draft method in fall 2017
- Method Validation: Solids
— Soils, sediments, sludge/biosolids
— Same 24 PFAS as for water (non-DW) methods
— Commence in early summer 2017
— Targeting Fall 2017 for draft methods
— Target Detection Limits: 10's —100's nanogram/L
— Higher due to complexity of matrix
— Two Methods:
— Similar to ASTM D7968-17 (Determination of Polyfluorinated Compounds in Soil by
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)
— Draft Procedure for Analysis of Perfluorinated Carboxylic Acids and Sulfonic Acids in
Sewage Sludge and Biosolids by HPLC/MS/MS (EPA-ORD National Exposure Research
Laboratory and EPA Office of Water)
Sampling and Storage
— Holding time studies
— Sample vessel materials (glass, polycarbonate, high -density polyethylene)
— Standard operating procedures for field sampling (initial focus on groundwater)
Chris Impellitteri: (Opening statement to Q&A): Work focuses on samples that are not DW samples.
Bob Delaney (MI): Radiometric question asking is this isotope dillution?
Answer: Yes, other companies will be coming up with new standards, but as of now, Wellington is the
only company providing samples.
MA: asked about PFAS.
Lynn Flowers (ORD): EPA is getting organized, identifying a cross -Agency coordinator, briefings for new
Administrator, then work to get around to share more with states and others.
States having to deal with problems now or ignore them.
- EPA doesn't yet have the data pulled together — only have pieces of data at this time.
State asked if these pieces of data could be shared with them
- Lynn said pieces wouldn't likely be useful and there isn't a complete literature search.
UCMR analyte list— states need tox info.
NJ has done a lot on PFNA — MA said they already have this information.
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June 5, 2017
ITRC PFAS Team Analytical methods workgroup:
- Tight timeframe
- PFAS is complex to work with
- Developing a 10-page fact sheet covering sampling analysis, methods, and site characterization
- September 15 draft fact sheet due to editor/expect end of year release
NH: Has completed proficiency testing
Call was adjourned.
DEQ-CFW 00074143