WQ83691 (e) Tabled on 22/10/2021

What steps has the Welsh Government undertaken to review the success of the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances monitoring programme by Natural Resources Wales of priority substances as outlined under the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017?

Answered by Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 01/11/2021

In line with the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (England and Wales) Regulations, NRW is currently monitoring two specific perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, or in short PFAS substances in water, PFOA and PFOS.

NRW will be reviewing all PFAS data to identify any additional evidence needs.

As PFAS are a large and diverse group of chemicals, the Welsh, Scottish and UK Governments have commissioned the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to analyse risk management options for PFAS. This analysis will build on existing work and will assess the various regulatory options available to tackle the risks posed by PFAS

This work will inform the actions of the three GB national governments going forward in order to determine the appropriate regulatory solution to address those risks.