PFAS 2025

Proposed rule

Rulemaking contact: Sarah Van Glubt, 503-709-8253,  PFAS.2025@deq.oregon.gov 

This rulemaking proposes to include some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the definition of hazardous substances in Oregon Administrative Rule 340-122-0115 (30). This would give DEQ authority to require investigation and removal and remedial actions of PFAS releases and align with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. DEQ initially proposed listing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), including their salts and structural isomers. Following conversations with the rulemaking advisory committee, DEQ is now proposing to list four PFAS compounds in addition to PFOA and PFOS: perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commonly known as GenX Chemicals), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). PFOA and PFOS are among the most commonly detected PFAS, are known or suspected carcinogens, and have been shown to exhibit toxicity effects to humans and wildlife even at low levels of exposure.

Advisory committee

DEQ convened an advisory committee to review the technical issues and fiscal impacts related to the proposed rules. In convening this committee, DEQ appointed members that reflect the range of entities that are both directly and indirectly affected by proposed changes to the rules.

• Roster
• Charter