The NJDEP recently recommended establishing specific ground water quality standards for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).  New Jersey is the first state to set drinking water standards for these chemicals.  PFOA and PFOS are frequently used in commercial applications but have also been widely reported to cause health problems.  Maximum contaminant levels of 14 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 13 ppt for PFOS will be the basis for ground water quality standards for site remediation activities.  Additionally, the new rules will require that all remediation sites be evaluated for the potential presence of PFOA and/or PFOSA, and a positive result will require the site to undergo a ground water investigation pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26E-3.3.  A public hearing regarding this issue will be held on May 15^th.