“Forever Chemicals” – PFAS As an Emerging Environmental and Public Health Crisis

Hear about the challenges facing Maryland water utilities as they work to address PFAS contamination and protect public health.

Counties are on the front lines of the PFAS crisis, tasked with managing costly water treatment and environmental remediation efforts despite not being the source of the contamination. The lack of sufficient state and federal support leaves counties to shoulder escalating financial and regulatory burdens as they work to protect public health and local ecosystems.

Title: “Forever Chemicals” – PFAS As an Emerging Environmental and Public Health Crisis

Description: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are rapidly becoming one of the most significant environmental and health challenges of our time. These persistent chemicals are commonly found in everyday items such as makeup, cookware, clothing, and more. When they accumulate in the environment and in human bodies, PFAS can cause serious health and ecological harm. Counties—often passive recipients of PFAS contamination—are being left to manage the costly response, frequently without adequate state or federal support. This panel will explore the challenges facing Maryland water utilities as they work to address PFAS contamination and protect public health.

Speakers:

  • Betsy Nicholas, President, Potomac River Keepers Network
  • Paul Sayan, P.E., Deputy Bureau Head, Water & Wastewater, Baltimore City DPW
  • Priscilla To, Ph.D., P.E., Director, Department of Operational Reliability and Resilience, WSSC
  • Robert Smith, Director of Engineering and Utilities, City of Cumberland
  • Zachary Schafer, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Maryland Department of the Environment

Moderator: The Honorable Sara Love, Maryland Senate

Date/Time: Friday, August 15, 2025; 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

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