CEHA 2024

In the face of the ever-changing regulatory and scientific landscape, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is developing its next per and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) action plan to continue work as a leader among states addressing widespread PFAS contamination. In this effort CDPHE will strive to use a data driven approach toward decision-making and public health protection via three primary objectives: 1) identify and minimize Coloradan’s exposure to PFAS; 2) assess and provide information on PFAS health risks; and 3) prevent PFAS releases and address known releases. CDPHE will present on this next iteration of the state’s PFAS action plan, which is expected to be finalized by January 2024. Presenters will seek feedback from the audience on the proposed plan.

What do you do when your local code enforcement says there is a complaint of a pool in a residential home's garage, and they are providing swimming lessons to the community? We will explore the many different twists and turns of the pool in a private home that was opened for lessons, how the county complaint response was conducted, and how it all ended. 

In response to initial sampling results, public interest, and a desire to gather more groundwater information in a densely-welled Park County community, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Park County launched the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) Testing and Assistance Program (TAP) pilot project in February 2024. This one-year pilot project provides private well users in Bailey free testing for PFAS using a reduced-cost water testing method. As a part of the pilot project, eligible households can also receive a pitcher filter that meets National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards to remove PFAS and other common contaminants from their drinking water. To date, the pilot program received over 600 applications for free PFAS testing and 23 applications for filtration support. Given the success of the pilot effort and funding available through Senate Bill 20-218, PFAS TAP plans to expand beyond the pilot area to provide testing and filtration support for private well users in other areas of Colorado. This presentation will share results from the PFAS TAP pilot project as well as detail plans for program expansion and opportunities for partnership between CDPHE and local public health agencies.

This presentation covers what local public health agencies should know about EPA's final PFAS drinking water regulations and designation of certain PFAS as hazardous substances to allow for Superfund cleanup. We will also discuss how ongoing and upcoming state efforts to address PFAS through the 2024 PFAS Action Plan impact local public health agencies and where there are opportunities for partnerships.