ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — An environmental advocacy group released a report Tuesday detailing where toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in Georgia’s lakes and rivers, including the Chattahoochee River.

The Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center report highlights the threat forever chemicals pose to fish, wildlife and our drinking water. The report also calls for more transparency from officials on PFAS.

According to the study, PFAS were detected in Georgia’s waterways at all of the 20 testing locations from 2022 to 2024.

The group detailed the findings at an 11 a.m. press conference at a Smyrna site overlooking the Chattahoochee River.

“Georgia’s waterways should be clean and free of toxic chemicals,” said Jennette Gayer, Environment Georgia’s Research & Policy Center’s state director.

Jason Ulseth, executive director with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, called PFAS a “national crisis.”

“Our latest sampling confirms that it is in the Chattahoochee, and I know our fellow riverkeepers have found similar problems in other rivers around the state,” Ulseth said.

A recent report from a similar organization, Environment America, found forever chemicals in 83% of water samples nationwide.

Nearly half of U.S. tap water contains forever chemicals, a U.S. Geological Survey study found. Bottled water does, too.

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Forever chemicals found in most waterways, study finds
• ANF Investigates: Bill proposes exclusive control of PFAS lawsuits to attorney general
• ‘It scares me to death’ | Study finds high PFAS levels in north Georgia residents’ blood
• Emory clinical trial to test potential ways to remove PFAS from humans’ bodies

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