PFAS Resources & Updates

The City of Henderson is committed to the health, safety and well-being of our community. To that effect, and to improve communication and raise public awareness, this page will be updated regularly to inform our citizens about the city’s ongoing work to ensure safe drinking water for you, your loved ones, and our community. 

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

PFAS WORKING GROUP MEETING SET

The next meeting of the PFAS Working Group is set for 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22. The location will be the third-floor Assembly Room at the Henderson Municipal Center, 222 First St. Agenda items include a report from Henderson Water Utility about its response to new U.S. EPA advisories involving PFAS content in drinking water and an update from Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Tony Hatton.

HENDERSON WATER UTILITY PROVIDES INFO FOLLOWING NEW U.S. EPA DRINKING WATER ADVISORIES

There's a national focus on drinking water quality. Henderson Water Utility is in the business of public health and our drinking water is safe, high-quality and meets all regulatory standards. On June 15, 2022, the U.S. EPA issued new health advisory levels to manage the risk for a group of man-made chemicals in drinking water called PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.) READ MORE DETAIL ABOUT WHERE WE STAND AS A WATER UTILITY.

U.S. EPA ANNOUNCES NEW DRINKING WATER HEALTH ADVISORIES FOR PFAS CHEMICALS  (6/15/2022)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released four drinking water health advisories for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the latest action under President Biden's action plan to deliver clean water and Administrator Regan's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. EPS also announced that it is inviting states and territories to apply for $1 billion -- the first of $5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant funding -- to address PFAS and other emerging contaminants in the drinking water, specifically in small or disadvantaged communities. READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE 

PFAS WORKING GROUP MEETING (2/28/2022)

The City of Henderson's PFAS Working Group met to continue gathering information about PFAS concerns as well as share details with the public. The group remains committed to providing good communication on this topic. The main item of business was a guest presentation by Shamrock Technologies Director of Manufacturing Mike Jussila, who offered a time-line of events at their facilities. You can watch a video of his presentation here.

A pdf of Mr. Jussila's presentation to the group is available. More details about PFAS testing locally are expected to be available later in the spring or early summer. The next meeting of the PFAS Working Group will take place in mid-summer on a date TBA.

PFAS WORKING GROUP MEETING SET

The next meeting of the PFAS Working Group is set for 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. The location will be the third-floor Assembly Room at the Henderson Municipal Center, 222 First St.

EPA ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE MONITORING (12/20/2021)

U.S. EPA announces nationwide monitoring effort to better understand the extent of PFAS in drinking water. Read more:

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-nationwide-monitoring-effort-better-understand-extent-pfas-drinking

PFAS WORKING GROUP MEETING (12/06/2021)

For the second time in as many weeks, the City of Henderson’s PFAS Working Group met to continue their work to learn more about PFAS concerns and issues as well as share important information and updates with the public. During their December 2nd meeting, the working group announced three focus areas: (1) what they know about PFAS; (2) what they need to know; and (3) how best to act in response. EEC Commissioner Tony Hatton was also on hand to present in-depth geological research on PFAS levels in and around the area under evaluation. The PFAS Working Group’s meeting can be watched on the City of Henderson’s Facebook page. 

COMMISSIONER MEETING (11/23/2021)

The Board of Commissioners heard a follow up presentation from Commissioner Tony Hatton of the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection in the continuing conversation about PFAS and potential concerns. In addition to providing background on the nature of the substances, Mr. Hatton described the state’s ongoing work around PFAS and fielded questions from city commissioners. An archive recording can be viewed on Facebook.   

PFAS WORKING GROUP MEETING (11/22/2021)

The City of Henderson’s PFAS Working Group met for the first time on November 22nd to announce members of the group and to receive information from Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet officials. During the meeting, City Commissioner Brad Staton was named chair of the 16-member working group comprised of community leaders, health professionals and concerned citizens. In addition, EEC Commissioner Tony Hatton informed members and the general public that the state is monitoring the situation closely and working to identify short- and long-term action steps. Moreover, he explained that statewide studies have concluded the city’s drinking water is below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s advisory level and is comparable with levels in communities across the Commonwealth. The meeting can be viewed in its entirety on Facebook. 

COMMISSIONER MEETING (11/09/2021)

On November 9, 2021, the Board of Commissioners spoke with concerned citizens and city officials about PFAS as well as the PFAS Working Group, its scope of work, and next steps. During the meeting, Commissioners and city officials discussed their resolve to lead with honesty, transparency and accountability. An archived recording can be viewed on Facebook.  

PFAS WORKING GROUP

The City of Henderson announced the formation of the PFAS Working Group to help the community better understand Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on November 1st. The group’s primary purpose is to coordinate with environmental experts to learn more about PFAS concerns and issues and share important information and updates with the public. To learn more, please read the City of Henderson’s press release. 

 

 

PFAS FAQS

 

WHAT ARE PFAS?

PFAS are a group of commonly used chemicals that are in numerous everyday commercial and consumer products. These chemicals can be found in food packaging, fabrics, cleaning products, firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, personal care items and other items. Although they have been around for decades, their potential health impacts have recently come into greater focus.

 

WHY NOW?

Currently, there is no federal regulations or standards pertaining to PFAS. The same in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in October 2021 the development of a national PFAS testing strategy that intends to use its Toxic Substance Control Act authorities to require PFAS manufacturers to provide information on PFAS.

 

Additionally, on October 18, 2021, EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced the creation of the PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The roadmap sets timelines by which EPA plans to take specific actions and implement new policies to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and hold polluters accountable. More information on the PFAS Strategic Roadmap can be accessed on the EPA’s website.

 

HOW DO THEY IMPACT PUBLIC HEALTH?

These chemicals do not change or break down easily. As a result, they are widespread, building up in the environment, humans, and animals. Review the EPA’s current understanding on PFAS’ impact on human health and environmental risks.   

 

IS HENDERSON DRINKING WATER SAFE?

Henderson Water Utility (HWU) constantly monitors the city’s water supply for various contaminants, including PFAS. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has also conducted tests and determined that our drinking water is safe. We welcome ongoing testing by the state to make sure PFAS levels remain below the advisory threshold. Get more info from HWU 2021 Water Quality Reports for the North Water Treatment Plant and the South Water Treatment Plant. 

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

The links below provide additional information you may find helpful: 

 

  1. https://www.epa.gov/pfas.
  2. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm
  3. https://pfas-exchange.org/resources/ 
  4. https://eec.ky.gov/Documents%20for%20URLs/PFAS%20Drinking%20Water%20Report%20Final.pdf