September 2024 Edition
Welcome to another edition of the Integral Digest. Our scientists and engineers work to bring innovative solutions to complex problems faced by our clients. We are sharing our insights with you on a variety of topics—here are some of our recent highlights.
Emerging Contaminants
Regulatory Alert: EPA Delays PFAS Reporting Period under TSCA
On September 4, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a direct final rule to delay the period when manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) must report under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 8(a)(7). Key Changes:
?? Reporting Portal Opening: July 11, 2025
?? General Submission Deadline: January 2026 (extended from May 2025)
?? Small Business Deadline: July 2026
TSCA section 8(a)(7) requires manufacturers and importers of PFAS, including PFAS-containing articles, to report information related to chemical identity, uses, volumes, environmental and health effects, worker exposure, and more from 2011 to 2022. Reporting will be done through EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) portal.
EPA attributed the delay to budget constraints that slowed updates to its CDX system and related applications used to manage confidential business information. Further testing and enhancement of the CDX system are anticipated. EPA also intends to release additional reporting guidance for manufacturers in the coming months.
EPA also corrected an error in the regulatory text of the direct final rule to specify that they seek submissions of “unpublished study reports” rather than the “published study reports” specified in the original text. No further changes were made to the existing recordkeeping and reporting requirements under the existing rule.
Questions? Reach out to our team members Elizabeth Hofstetter or Claire Hamaji, MPH .
The U.S. Releases a Moonshot Research and Development Strategy for PFAS
In early September, the U.S. government’s National Science and Technology Council unveiled an ambitious federal research and development (R&D) strategic plan that identifies core PFAS research objectives.
While the potential impact of this approach is exciting, questions remain about prioritization, collaboration, and implementation of the strategy.
Questions? Reach out to Miranda Henning or Heather Lynch .
领英推荐
Product Stewardship
With great power comes great responsibility
As renewable energy sources gain momentum, large-scale battery storage facilities are becoming crucial.
Key takeaways from our latest article, "Building a Safe Energy Future: Proactive Product Stewardship for Battery Storage":
Questions? Reach out to R. Jeffrey Davis or Kristian Fried .
Scientific Communication
Publishing unvetted science risks undermining public understanding as well as scientific credibility
With #PeerReviewWeek2024 this month, we're reminded of how vital peer review is in ensuring research quality and supporting exemplary scholarly communication. This reflection hits home as we consider an emerging, troubling trend: sensational headlines taking precedence over thoroughly vetted science, especially in areas of emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics.
Learn more in Kristian Fried and Ellen Hartley 's latest article .
Company News
Passionate about the environment, our clients, and our people
We are a company of problem solvers where the best and brightest come to tackle some of the most significant challenges facing our world. We are continuously inspired and curious about the natural world and want to make the planet a better place for the future. With 21 offices across the country and 1 in Mexico, our team is spread out geographically but close-knit in shared values and the deeply collaborative work we do.
Interested in joining our team? We're hiring! Check out our open positions .