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<p>Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is one of a group of thousands of substances collectively
called poly- and per-fluorinated substances (PFAS), which are highly persistent in
the environment. As a group they are being considered under a risk management options
analysis under UK chemical regulation (UK REACH). The Environment Agency (EA) also
considers TFA as part of its priority and early warning system for chemicals.</p><p>We
are aware of some concerns raised about TFA and trifluoroacetate in relation to the
breakdown of certain refrigerants, in particular hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs). HFOs
are used increasingly as replacements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) due to their much
lower Global Warming Potential.</p><p>HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases and their
use is being phased down. Defra is reviewing the legislation covering HFCs to ascertain
whether we can go further in support of the UK's net zero target. This will include
assessing the adequacy of existing leak prevention, detection and repair measures,
as well as the possibility of reducing further the use of HFCs.</p><p>The 2018 UN
Montreal Protocol Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) report concluded there
was minimal risk to human health or the environment from TFA from HFOs used as refrigerants.
However, we continue to monitor the latest scientific assessments and will take on
board their conclusions, including as part of our review.</p><p>Activities with the
potential to impact upon the quality of groundwater are regulated through the Environmental
Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR). The EPR provide for ongoing
supervision and control by the EA to ensure that groundwater activities are only permitted
to operate where the risks to groundwater are well understood and mitigated. The EA
does not currently monitor TFA in groundwater.</p><p> </p><p>Refrigerants used in
ground source heat pumps are designed and installed to be contained within closed
loop systems having no connection to the surrounding environment. Should any evidence
show that systems have leaked, the EA has powers to serve notices requiring remediation
of any impacted groundwater, surface water or soils.</p><p> </p><p>Drinking water
quality is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England
only.</p><p> </p><p>The Drinking Water Regulations require that, in order to be considered
“wholesome”, drinking water must not contain any substance at a level which would
constitute a potential danger to human health.</p><p> </p><p>The topic of PFAS substances
is not new. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has provided guidance to water companies
since 2009 and this has recently been updated to reflect current knowledge. The guidance
requires water companies to ensure these chemicals are adequately considered in their
risk assessments. Should the EA find evidence to suggest that the closed loop systems
have leaked, it will inform relevant water companies of any potential risk, and the
water companies will consider initiating monitoring for the chemicals at any of their
works where appropriate.</p><p> </p>
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