Re: Urgent health and environmental concerns over PFAS and HF chemicals North San Gabriel Alliance for public release

Fluorine-carbon bonds in PFAS are very tough chemical bonds to destroy and I am concerned that Exfluor may emit unburned PFAS compounds along with Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) which is an extremely toxic substance by itself. It appears that HF will not be continuously monitored (Exfluor could install HF CEMS) and, in my opinion, the only truly safe level is zero. HF emissions could impact local vegetation, animals, and more leaving trace residues.

In my view, Exfluor’s new plant should not be built due to the risk of Thermal Oxidizers failing to destroy the fluorine-carbon bonds, and HF and other toxic chemicals escaping and turning the surrounding community into a chemical industry sacrifice zone. I would encourage Exfluor to either expand its current Round Rock plant or look for another site in an industrial park.

Neil Carman, PhD
Clean Air Program Director and former TCEQ field investigator
Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club
6406 N IH-35, suite 1806
Austin, Tx 78765