The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a series of virtual public meetings focused on efforts to address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The webinars will cover topics such as the PFAS Rural Background Study, treatment of landfill leachate, wastewater treatment guidance, sampling of PFAS in biosolids, and drinking water policy.
According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, “Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State outlined a number of key priorities for protecting New York’s environment, including the development of new regulations to address PFAS contamination and protect New York communities. Public input is critical to the success of the State’s ongoing progress, and we encourage New Yorkers to participate in upcoming opportunities to help guide these important efforts forward.”
Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State called for draft regulations that require landfills to treat leachate for harmful contaminants before discharge. The initiative aims both to safeguard water sources and reduce future cleanup costs for taxpayers. Local governments are expected to receive funding support to comply with these new requirements. Two information sessions about this initiative are scheduled for January 27 and February 11, 2026.
In December, DEC released several new resources designed to assist communities in addressing PFAS contamination. These include a progress report highlighting state leadership on PFAS issues, a study documenting widespread PFAS presence across landscapes, finalized guidance for wastewater treatment plants intended to protect drinking water and surface waters, proposed policies regarding DEC’s approach to investigating PFAS and sampling biosolids products, as well as a new webpage at dec.ny.gov/pfas that consolidates information on related initiatives.
A public information session discussing these updates is planned for January 29 in partnership with the State Department of Health. Additionally, on February 4 there will be a webinar outlining proposed rulemaking concerning regulation of PFAS in recycled biosolids.
Details about registration and meeting times can be found through links provided by DEC. Further information is also available at www.dec.ny.gov/PFAS.
Language interpretation services—including American Sign Language—will be provided at no cost for individuals with limited English proficiency who request them at least ten days prior to each meeting. Requests should be directed by mail, email or phone to DEC’s Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement.
