EPA proposes federal exemption framework extending PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance deadline to 2031; includes 12 ppt mitigation trigger; comment deadline and hearing set

EPA proposed a rule to keep PFOA and PFOS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at 4.0 ppt each while creating a federal exemption framework that would allow eligible public water systems additional time (up to 2031) to comply. The proposal describes a mitigation/control expectation during the exemption period for systems with any sample result at or above 12 ppt. EPA opened the proposal for public comment and scheduled a public hearing with preregistration deadlines, which compliance teams should track for rule development and potential near-term planning impacts on monitoring, treatment deployment, and capital planning.