February 2021 | Volume 11 | Issue 2

Peek Behind the Federal Regulatory Curtain: PFAS and Changing Policies

BY ALLISON MACKENZIE, Executive Vice President of Development, Public Affairs & Advocacy

PFAS are at the top of our minds and our news feeds as scientists reveal more data about the impact of polyfluoroalkyl substances on our health and our environment. Environmental groups, scientists, laboratories, and politicians across the aisle agree; it’s time to legislate these “forever chemicals.” 2020 took some steps towards regulating PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, which are known carcinogens and are linked to many other long-term health effects. But more work needs to be done. To help break down the federal government’s response to PFAS, here is a snapshot of recent news in the PFAS pipeline.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

On January 1, Congress overrode President Trump’s veto and enacted H.R. 6395 (NDAA), the authorization bill that directs spending for the Department of Defense (DoD) in conjunction with the FY 21 omnibus appropriations bill.

The 2021 NDAA addresses PFAS contamination on military bases and in military equipment. Multiple provisions follow-up on the 2020 NDAA provisions, which began phasing out AFFF (Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam) after studies linked AFFF with PFAS contaminated ground and drinking water. on military bases and in surrounding communities. Follow-up actions include... read more

California Braces for Possible Legionella Outbreak After Lockdown

California businesses are reopening after the long lockdown. But our empty offices, hotels, restaurants, and gyms may have collected more than just dust; a deadly bacteria called legionella could be growing in the pipes.

Legionella pneumophila is one of over 58 strains of Legionella bacteria that flourish in showers, sinks, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative water features, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems. When aerosolized droplets of Legionella pneumophila are inhaled, the bacteria causes a deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' Disease. Although Legionnaires’ Disease is treatable with antibiotics, about 1 out of 10 people die from the illness; the elderly, smokers, and the immunocompromised are especially vulnerable. The CDC reported about 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in 2018, but experts believe the true number of cases is higher. Case numbers are also on the rise; the rate of reported cases grew ninefold from 2000 to 2018. Health officials remain unsure if the trend is an artifact of better testing or indicative of environmental and demographic factors like antiquated infrastructure and a larger elderly population. If the trend continues, the US may be on track for a historic number of cases in 2021; experts fear... read more

Inland News Group Names Babcock Laboratories a Winner of the Inland Empire Top Workplaces 2020 Award!

Babcock Laboratories (Babcock Labs) is honored to announce that it has been named a Top Workplace in the Inland Empire for the fourth year in a row!

On January 31, 2021, the Press Enterprise announced the 2020 Top Workplaces and designated Babcock Labs as a Top Workplace in the small business category. We feel this award recognizes and praises our employee-owners who have made and continue to make Babcock Labs a great place to work. 2020 heralded unprecedented challenges, and we are so proud of our team for adapting and thriving under these difficult circumstances.

The nationally recognized Top Workplace program was established in... read more

In Case You Missed It:

Lead and Copper, Babcock Laboratories’ New Sampling Procedure (read more)

Purple is the New Green: IEUA Invests in Expanded Water Recycling Facility (read more)

Improvement: It is a Continuous Commitment! (read more)

What’s Next for the Delta Conveyance Project? (read more)

Inland Empire Laboratory Announces New CEO and Marks 115th Year Serving Local Community (read more)

Biosolids: The Ultimate Recycling Success Story (read more)

Babcock Laboratories Found a More Permanent Home in Imperial County! (read more)

A Quick Year in Review:2020 (read more)

Does La Niña Have Other Plans for So Cal’s Typical Wet Winter? (read more)

Elementary California Water Basics—Getting an Education from the Foundation (read more)

To Grab or to Composite...That is the PFAS Question! (read more)

Lead and Copper Rule

Babcock Laboratories’ Has a New Sampling Procedure Following the Lead and Copper Rule (learn more)

Did you know?

Babcock Labs is CA ELAP accredited to perform all 18 analytes for EPA Method 537.1 and all 38 analytes under the DoD QSM 5.3. Also offered at Babcock Labs is EPA Method 533 for short-chain PFAs analytes. ( learn more)

Have you heard about Babcock Labs new sample receiving procedure? (learn more)