PFAS IN AIR & EMISSIONS

PACE® HELPS BUSINESSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY PROTECT THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES FROM THE DANGERS OF AIRBORNE PFAS.

THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE AIR

For state and local governments, the most common example of air emissions testing involves stack emissions from industry. Sampling stack emissions requires specialized sampling equipment to be placed inside the stack by qualified personnel and then tested using the appropriate test for the suspected contaminants.

EPA TO UPDATE PFAS DISPOSAL GUIDANCE

Incineration has long-been a preferred method for disposing of industrial waste and chemical stockpiles. Unfortunately, new evidence suggests that “thermal destruction” isn’t as effective as once thought. Soil, ash, groundwater, and air samples taken from incinerator sites and surrounding neighborhoods have shown elevated levels of PFAS. With the increased awareness that air emissions may be a significant pathway for PFAS to enter the environment, some states such as New Hampshire, New York, and Michigan have proposed or enacted restrictions of PFAS in air permits ahead of EPA regulations. The EPA plans to issue updated guidance on destruction and disposal methods by fall of 2023. In the meantime, the agency is also considering listing certain PFAS as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

PRIMARY TEST METHOD FOR AIR & EMISSIONS

Currently, the only method published by the EPA for analyzing air and emissions is OTM-45. An OTM method is an analytical method that has not gone through the extensive federal rulemaking process but can be used for regulatory action. OTM 45 Is a performance-based draft method for the analysis of PFAS in stationary sources. As more data from stakeholders becomes available, the method will be updated. As currently written, OTM 45 quantifies 50 speciated PFAS compounds. Pace^® uses OTM-45 to test stack emissions for PFAS.

PFAS MATRICES IMPACTED BY AIR DEPOSITION

As the EPA ramps up its focus on PFAS remediation though legislation such as CWA, TSCA, and CERCLA, many Pace^® customers have implemented sampling programs for the matrices that can be impacted by airborne PFAS. PFAS can become airborne by numerous routes, such as waste incineration, manufacturer stack emissions, and leachate evaporation. Once PFAS is airborne, its geographical impacts can become far reaching. Air deposition of PFAS can cause a wide array of non-air matrices to be impacted. For instance, the impact zone can be greatly increased for private wells and soil once PFAS is not in a controlled environment, such as a landfill, and becomes airborne.

REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®

EXPERIENCED

Pace^® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.

CERTIFIED

We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.

RELIABLE

For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.

COMMITTED

We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.