The Maine Thing

Join HRP's Tom Simmons and Mattew Wallace as we walk through submitting a public comment on regulations.gov. The public comment period accompanies any new rule or proposed change in rule. It's an opportunity for the general public to speak on these rules and have their voices entered into the record. Check our YouTube channel to see what we're talking about!  Our YouTube VideoRegulations.gov - This is the main site to submit to.Commenting on EPA Dockets | US EPA - This site lists how to properly write a comment.About EPA Dockets | US EPAWhere to Send Comments for EPA Dockets | US EPA - This lists how to send physical letters as comments Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

The state of Maine has been a leader on the PFAS issue, but it’s also one beset by unique challenges. On this episode, hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace talk about the big problem Maine is facing, biosolid sludge. Wastewater treatment facilities produce a biosolid byproduct. For decades, this sludge was repurposed as fertilizer, but since treatment facilities still cannot deal with PFAS, the sludge moved the PFAS from the fertilizer, into the soil, the groundwater, the crops and animals, and ultimately, the people of Maine. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Hosts Matthew Wallace and Tom Simmons talk about the EPA's new proposed rule change to how TSCA looks at PFAS. While the rule change is only "Purposed" its ramifications could be far reaching. Regardless, another delay in reporting is certain.  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

We spoke with Brooke Casella a content creator here at HRP about PFAS in biosolids and the impact that has on the agriculture business.Brooke discusses the EPA's recent draft risk assessment and breaks down thoughts from critics.You can read the full article here: The Evolving Regulatory Landscape of PFAS and Biosolids in Agriculture | Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. - JDSupraListen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

In this episode of the PFAS Pulse Podcast, Host Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace are joined by HRP's Sam Muller, to discuss a recent study, which demonstrated that PFAS are far more acidic than previously thought. What does that mean? We'll break it down! Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

In this series, HRP's Brooke Casella is asking, what is PFAS? HRP's PFAS experts will each share their perspective on the question, answering not only, what is PFAS, but what does PFAS mean in the specific context and discipline where they operate.On the first episode, Tom Simmons, head of content for HRP Associates, and host of this podcast, share's his perspective. Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

We spoke with Laurel Pickard a senior project engineer here at HRP about PFAS in wastewater and the impact that has on wetlands.Her project experience includes a variety of environmental compliance, site investigation and remediation work, including commercial, industrial, academic and residential sites. Laurel’s diverse project experience includes environmental compliance in air, wastewater and hazardous waste in manufacturing facilities as well as academic institutions and hospitals.  You can read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/18/pfas-wetlands-wasterwater-effluent  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

We spoke with Greg Ackerson from Apex Water Solutions on their onsite leachate treatment technology. The WARP system promises to remove 100% of PFAS. We get the details from Greg on how this system works.Greg is a facility and technology expert who strives to improve his client’s-built environments as well as their operational efficiencies.He specializes in working with both public and private sector clients to improve the health and safety of their built environment as well as improving their operational efficiencies.You can check out The Apex Companies here: https://apex-co.us/ Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Co-host Matthew Wallace just completed his first PFAS sampling!Here's a breakdown of what we wanted to know from the EHS&S Professional:We thought a little breakdown of Do you do much sampling generally?Without telling us who the client was, or giving away too much, can you tell us what the facility was, what it was like?What kind of sampling was this?What was the preparation that you have to for PFAS specifically?What were the special considerations for this particular event? Things you thought about doing, changes up  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.

Join hosts Tom Simmons and Matthew Wallace, joined by HRP's EHS&S Practice Leader, Jackie Baxley, as we break down the new deadline for PFAS TSCA reporting.EPA announced an interim final rule which extended the dates of the reporting period for data submissions for the TSCA PFAS reporting rule. Submissions are now due by October 13, 2026, for most manufacturers. Small businesses reporting data solely on importing PFAS contained in articles have until April 13, 2027, to submit reports. This rule provides much needed time for the regulated community to assess its manufacturing (including import) from 2011 to 2022 relative to PFAS.  Prior to this rule being published, the reporting period was set to open this July with reports due January 11, 2026. For more information on this rule, refer to HRP’s webinar presented February 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNalxzfPxog  Listen to learn more and subscribe to The Pulse for all the details.