PFAS

St. Louis’ water has been tested for toxic chemicals by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources over the past decade and found to be safe. But the new EPA rules would set higher safety standards, and St. Louis will be retested.

Lawmakers and environmental advocates raised concerns about the potential for PFAS chemicals to be burned in the Metro East.

A nearly identical bill unanimously passed the Illinois House and Senate last year, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoed it. Now environmental groups are starting the whole process over.

It could soon be illegal for Illinois companies to incinerate a class of potentially cancer-causing substances known as “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the body and environment without breaking down.

The bill by Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, advanced on Wednesday, and would prohibit disposing of any PFAS through burning.

The Veolia incinerator is listed as one of eight sites authorized by the Department of Defense to dispose of PFAS firefighting foam. The United Congregations of Metro East, the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations are suing the Department of Defense to block the potential disposal pending an environmental review.

This article was originally published in the Belleville News-Democrat.Officials have just begun contacting people potentially affected by contamination…

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in the Belleville News-Democrat.Chemicals known to cause serious health problems, including cancer and…