The EPA has awarded Hawaii $9.457 million to address PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ and other emerging contaminants in drinking water systems, as reported by multiple sources. The funding is part of a $144.5 million regional allocation aimed at helping communities test for and remove these persistent chemicals that have been linked to various health issues.
- Hawaii will receive $9.457 million from the EPA’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant program
- The funding targets PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment
- Hawaii is one of seven Pacific Southwest region recipients sharing $144.5 million total
- PFAS have been used since the 1940s in consumer products like carpets, clothing, food packaging and firefighting foam (Spectrum Local News)
- The chemicals have been linked to cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility and liver damage (Spectrum Local News)
- Grant funds will help communities, drinking water systems, and private well owners with testing, planning, and infrastructure projects
- The program represents part of a $1 billion national investment to address PFAS contamination
Sources
- Maui Now: EPA announces $9.5 million for Hawaiʻi to address PFAS in drinking water
- Spectrum Local News: EPA awards state $9.5M to address forever chemicals
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