The Delaware River Basin Commission said its decision will control future pollution, protect public health and preserve the waters of the basin.

Seven areas across the United States were selected for the national study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Studies at Rutgers and elsewhere are looking at possible links. The chemicals can cause serious health problems, including immune system effects.

With about 4,700 different PFAS, these ‘forever chemicals’ are a formidable issue to tackle. The Center for PFAS Solutions can test for 40 of them.

The agency said the three-year plan would prevent this class of toxic chemicals from being released into the environment and speed up the cleanup process.

Advocates with the Environmental Working Group want EPA’s plan to set standards for drinking water and groundwater cleanup, as well as to set limits on industrial discharges.

The DEP says its goal is to get the site cleaned up to its standard regardless of the status of any current or future development plans.

Projects in Pennsylvania include developing a watershed restoration plan for the Lower West Branch of the Red Clay Creek Watershed in Chester County.