In June, NEIWPCC, in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), launched a new project to assess baseline concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in rivers across the state. Establishing these baseline conditions is a key first step toward understanding the scope and scale of PFAS contamination in Rhode Island’s freshwater systems.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. These pervasive chemicals accumulate in water, soil, wildlife, and people over time, leading to public health risks and environmental impacts.
With support from NEIWPCC and RIDEM, contractor GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. will develop and implement an EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan to ensure accurate and usable data. GZA staff will perform sampling and analysis at roughly 15 river sites. The project will produce a high-quality baseline dataset on PFAS concentrations in Rhode Island rivers, providing a foundation for future water quality monitoring and regulatory efforts. These data will help identify potential sources of contamination, support targeted response strategies, and inform long-term planning to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health.