On Tap in CA:

PFAS Liability & Regulation  

This month the EPA released its Action Plan for PFAS regulation. The plan, which proposes greater research efforts and further work toward formal regulatory action, has been criticized by environmental groups, residents of contaminated communities, and some lawmakers who say it lacks clear, immediate action. The EPA, however, asserts that the agency is “taking a proactive, cross-agency approach” and that its Action Plan “outlines concrete steps the agency is taking to address PFAS and to protect public health.”

The Action Plan, which was promised last year by former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, proposes some key action items including regulatory action for drinking water; more research into PFAS toxicity, treatment and remediation, and testing methodology; more targeted monitoring under the next round of UCMR; clarifying cleanup strategies through hazardous substance designation and interim groundwater recommendations; consideration of the addition of PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory and rules; and the development of a risk communication toolbox to use with the public.

The issue of PFAS pollution has gained more urgency in recent years, due in large part to UCMR 3 data revealing its national prevalence and a recent report from the CDC suggesting current health advisories may not be strict enough to address serious public health risks. In the midst of growing local concern and the delay of federal action, some states have taken it upon themselves to limit the use of two of the most persistent and dangerous PFAS compounds: Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). While New Jersey has set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 14 parts per trillion (ppt) and 13 ppt respectively, California has taken a slightly different approach that includes PFAS liability implications for... (read more)

Snowpack Packs a Punch:

Is it Enough to Defeat the Drought?

California’s snowpack is now over 136% of normal and rising, with more snow expected this weekend. This is quite a jump from the beginning of the year when the State’s snowpack was at 67%.

The atmospheric rivers responsible for all this heavy snow and rainfall have been a welcome reprieve for a state long mired in serious drought. Once depleted water supplies are slowly but surely being replenished.

Despite the fact that much of the state is currently out of drought, it is important to note that groundwater basin replenishment from snowpack... (read more) 

Last Chance to Attend:

Registration Ends Today for Special TEAM Event on Cannabis Effects on Wastewater

Today is the last day to register for Babcock Lab’s special TEAM Event exploring the cannabis industry’s effects on wastewater.

The event will take place Thursday, March 7th, at our conference facilities in Riverside and will feature a panel of guests who will provide key insight into current and future cannabis industry effects on wastewater treatment.

Learn more about this special TEAM Event!

Register now 

In Case You Missed It:

Who Suffers from a Shutdown? (read more)

The Future Looks Bright: SISTERS Visit Babcock Labs (read more)

Year in Review: Key Issues of 2018 (read more)

When the Smoke Clears: Aftereffects of Wildfires on Communities' Water Quality (read more)

It's Not the Lettuce, It's the Water: Romain Recall Sheds Light on Ag Water Quality (read more)

Babcock Labs is a 2018 Top Workplace! (read more)

PFOA & PFOS: Not Why, But How? (read more)

Cultivating Conservation: Winning Strategies for Water Agencies (read more)

Back to School: Few CA Schools Have Tested for Lead Despite Aid (read more)Babcock Labs Now Women-Owned ESOP! (read more)

EPA Awards Babcock Labs UCMR 4 Small Systems Contract (read more)

Babcock Labs is CA ELAP
accredited to perform
EPA Method 537

Please note that Babcock Labs strictly adheres to sample acceptance criteria, pursuant to Standard Methods and regulatory requirements.
Learn more

Getting Into the Weeds: 
Babcock Labs will hold
its next TEAM Event,
"Wasted: Cannabis
Industry Effects on
Wastewater" on March 7th.  
Register Now

_____________________

Year TWO of UCMR 4
is almost here.
Are you ready?
We are! 
Learn more

Industry Events

View our events calendar 
  

March
3/6 State Water Resources Control Board Public Meeting on PFAS - Sacramento, CA
3/7 Babcock Labs' TEAM Event "Wasted: Cannabis Industry Effects on Wastewater" - Riverside, CA***
3/17-19 WateReuse CA Annual Conference - Garden Grove, CA
3/25-28 CA-NV AWWA Spring Conference - Monterey, CA
3/26-28 ACIL P2 Meeting  - Washington, DC* 
3/29 Santa Ana River Watershed Conference - Fullerton, CA** 

April
4/4-5 California Water Policy Conference - San Diego, CA
4/9-12 CWEA Annual Conference - Palm Springs, CA** Booth 925