# PFAS and Emerging Contaminants in Phase I ESAs

This reference supplements the SKILL.md "PFAS and emerging contaminants" section with detailed evaluation guidance. Use it alongside the report's REC classification and historical-use review.

## Why PFAS matters under E1527-21

ASTM E1527-21 expects the environmental professional to evaluate emerging contaminants where relevant to the property. EPA designated **PFOA and PFOS** (and their salts and structural isomers) as **CERCLA hazardous substances** by final rule effective **July 8, 2024** (89 FR 39124, May 8, 2024; codified at 40 CFR § 302.4). The reportable quantity is 1 lb in any 24-hour period. EPA announced on Sep 17, 2025 its intent to develop a CERCLA Section 102(a) Framework Rule, which is expected to add additional PFAS substances over time.

Practical consequence: a release of PFOA or PFOS now meets the CERCLA "release of a hazardous substance" definition, which means historical PFAS-impacting uses can now drive a REC under E1527-21.

## Property uses that trigger PFAS evaluation

Treat the following historical or current uses as PFAS-relevant; the EP should explicitly address PFAS in the historical-use review and document the conclusion either way:

| Use category | Examples | Why PFAS-relevant |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighting | Fire stations, military bases, airports, industrial fire-training areas, AFFF storage | AFFF formulations contained PFOA/PFOS through 2010s; legacy AFFF still in use in some sectors |
| Aviation | Civilian and military airports (FAA-certified Part 139 airports historically required AFFF) | AFFF use mandated until 2024 FAA transition window; legacy contamination common |
| Metal finishing / electroplating | Hard-chrome plating; semiconductor manufacturing | PFAS used as mist suppressants and processing aids |
| Textile & paper coating | Stain-resistant coatings; food-packaging treatments | Direct PFAS application; historical use widespread 1960s–2010s |
| Chemical manufacturing | Fluoropolymer manufacture (e.g., Teflon, Gore-Tex precursor) | Direct PFAS production |
| Photolithography / photographic | Photographic film and paper; semiconductor lithography | PFAS used as surfactants |
| Cosmetics / personal care | Manufacturing facilities | PFAS in some formulations |
| Landfills | Industrial / municipal landfills accepting PFAS-containing wastes | Leachate exposure |
| Wastewater treatment | POTWs and industrial WWTPs receiving PFAS streams | Biosolids application; effluent discharge |
| Ski / winter sports | Ski-wax storage and application | PFAS-containing waxes (banned at race level by FIS in 2023) |

## Records to search

In addition to the 40 CFR § 312.26 federal/state/tribal/local databases, search:

- **EPA ECHO** — PFAS-specific TRI Form R reports (40 CFR Part 372 added PFAS reporting thresholds in late 2023 rule).
- **State PFAS-specific databases.** Many states maintain dedicated PFAS contamination inventories (e.g., MI EGLE PFAS Action Response Team; NJ DEP PFAS database; PA DEP PFAS dashboard; MA MassDEP PFAS sampling).
- **CERCLA NPL post-July 2024 listings.** Sites added to the NPL based on PFAS contamination.
- **DoD PFAS investigations.** For properties near current or former military installations, DoD's PFAS investigation database.
- **State drinking-water databases.** PFAS detections in source waters — relevant for adjacent / nearby property assessments.

## Analytical methods (relevant for follow-on Phase II planning)

Phase I ESA is non-invasive and does not include sampling. Where the Phase I identifies a PFAS-relevant REC and the client requests Phase II planning, the report's recommendation should specify analytical methods:

| Matrix | EPA method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking water | EPA Method 537.1 (Rev 2.0, 2020) | Pre-2020 work used 537.0; verify lab certification |
| Non-potable water (wastewater, groundwater, surface water) | EPA Method 1633 | Finalized Jan 2024; covers 40 PFAS analytes |
| Biosolids, soil, sediment | EPA Method 1633 | Same method; matrix-specific extraction |
| Air | Multiple, no single EPA method finalized as of 2026-04 | Subject to evolving guidance |

## Drafting guidance for the report

- **If no PFAS-relevant use is identified.** State explicitly: "Based on the historical-use review and site reconnaissance, no current or historical use of the property associated with PFAS manufacture, formulation, application, storage, or disposal was identified. PFAS is not classified as a Recognized Environmental Condition for the property."
- **If a PFAS-relevant use is identified.** Classify as a REC under the standard E1527-21 REC framework; do not create a new "PFAS-only" classification. The analysis follows the same REC / CREC / HREC tree as petroleum or chlorinated-solvent contamination. Document the basis.
- **If adjacent property has known PFAS contamination.** Apply ASTM E2600 vapor encroachment screening logic by analogy for groundwater pathways; address as a potential REC (typically a Vapor Encroachment Condition or a non-VEC equivalent for groundwater).
- **Data gaps.** PFAS data gaps are common (state databases vary in completeness; older facilities pre-date PFAS reporting). Flag explicitly; recommend Phase II sampling where the gap is significant to the transaction.

## State-specific PFAS regimes that may exceed federal AAI

| State | Regime | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | MCP includes PFAS as oil and hazardous material under MGL Ch. 21E | MassDEP MCP |
| Michigan | Part 201 includes PFAS criteria; PFAS Action Response Team coordinates | EGLE |
| New Jersey | NJDEP PFAS Action Plan; surface water and ground water criteria | NJDEP |
| Pennsylvania | PFAS PFOA/PFOS MCLs at 14 ppt / 18 ppt (2023) | PA DEP |
| New York | NYS DEC PFAS guidance values | NYS DEC |
| California | DTSC PFAS source investigation orders | DTSC |
| Washington | Ecology PFAS Chemical Action Plan | WA Ecology |
| Maine | Statewide PFAS biosolids ban; LD 1503 regulatory framework | Maine DEP |

When the property is in a state with a dedicated PFAS regime, comply with the state regime in addition to federal AAI.

## Cross-references

- `phase-i-esa/SKILL.md` — main skill body.
- `phase-i-esa/references/AUTHORITY-STATUS.md` — verification record.
- `environmental-regulation-summaries` — broader CERCLA context.
- `consent-decree-epa` — PFAS-specific consent-decree drafting issues.