This is a recorded Compost Conversation about PFAS and how these "forever chemicals" impact the composting industry, with guests Bob Spencer (WSWMD) and Ben Gauthier (ANR/DEC). August 25, 2022.

Video time stamps:

• 0:00-7:20 Natasha Duarte, CAV

• 7:20-14:47 Bob Spencer, WSWMD

• 14:47-25:52 Ben Gauthier, ANR/DEC

• 25:52-1:01:48 Discussion

Links to resources gathered for CAV’s Compost Conversation about PFAS and the composting industry (Resources updated on September 8, 2022)

DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THESE RESOURCES

Note: some of the links in the pdf may be broken, please refer to the below list for updated links.

• VORS 2020 webinar recording Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Implications for Compost Quality, Use, & Marketing (Andrew Carpenter, starting at minute 44:32)

• US Composting Council’s PFAS page

• 2021 VT PFAS in food packaging legislation (Act 36/S20, Section 2, starting on page 6)

  • CA Foodware Aware Program

• VT ANR/DEC PFAS page and VT PFAS Roadmap (both more general)

• VT 2019 PFAS legislation factsheet

• Ambient concentrations of PFAS in VT soils (2019)

• Maine DEP's effort to identify all of the incoming pathways of products that may contain PFAS

• CEH Single-Use Foodware Public Database (last updated 12-15-2021)

• BioCycle PFAS-related articles (several)

• Links to information about the closure of Mass Natural Fertilizer by MassDEP:

  • When organic is toxic - how composting facility likely spread massive amounts forever chemicals across one town in Massachusetts

  • Information on PFAS from Westminster, MA town page

  • PFAS reports from MassDEP

  • Comments from NEBRA on Mass Natural PFAS contamination

  • Sally Brown’s response to the article about Mass Natural (BioCycle)

• Black Earth Compost's compost test data and Mass. soil standards

• An email from KAS to Bob Spencer about PFAS testing in VT

  • This email includes a link to Pace Analytical (testing & analytical lab services) that has some comprehensive information and further resources about PFAS

• Casella plans to install a treatment system for PFAS following discovery in groundwater near Coventry landfill

• 'Forever chemicals' destroyed by simple new method (from phys.org)

  • Related: How to destroy ‘forever chemicals’: cheap method breaks down PFAS (from nature.com)

• Scientists have invented a method to break down 'forever chemicals' in our drinking water. Here’s how

• New advisory from the EPA effectively eliminates any safe level of PFAS found in water

• John Oliver/Last Week Tonight on PFAS - WARNING - John Oliver may offend some folks with profanity. View at your own discretion.