PFAS IN WASTEWATER
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PACE® HELPS WATER PROFESSIONALS AND INDUSTRY COMBAT PFAS CONTAMINATION AND COMPLY WITH EVER-CHANGING WASTEWATER REGULATIONS.
A PATHWAY TO CONTAMINATION
Wastewater discharge can be a primary conduit for PFAS into the environment and drinking water sources.
INDUSTRY
PFAS-contaminated wastewater is sent for treatment or discharged directly into the environment.
LANDFILL
Collection systems send contaminated leachate to the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
MUNICIPALITIES
Storm system run off containing PFAS is sent to the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
AIRPORTS
Runoff containing discharged AFFF is sent to the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
WHAT ARE PFAS PRECURSORS?
PFAS precursors are compounds that can be converted into terminal, targeted PFAS during traditional wastewater treatment processes.
EPA PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON WASTEWATER
Over the next 2-3 years, the EPA plans to strengthen its focus on PFAS in wastewater discharge through a number of existing programs.
ELG
Undertake rulemaking/study to restrict PFAS discharge from industrial sources
NPDES
Propose additional monitoring requirements, leveraging new PFAS Test Method
CERCLA
Designate PFAS as a hazardous substance, clearing way for greater accountability for polluters
METHOD VALIDATION
Develop/validate new methods to analyze for more PFAS in non-potable waters
STATES FOLLOW EPA’S LEAD ON PFAS IN WASTEWATER
States that issue their own NPDES permits often follow the EPA’s lead. The agency also plans to issue new guidance by winter 2022 to states that operate their own NPDES permitting system. This is expected to include the use of EPA Test Method 1633 once it is finalized and validated.
KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Mitigating your risks starts with understanding the regulatory landscape for your industry and the states in which you do business. Pace® PFAS experts can brief your organization on:- What the EPA’s Strategic Plan means for your industry
- The regulatory landscape in your operating geographies
- Testing and sampling cost details to help with compliance planning and budgeting
PRIMARY WASTEWATER TEST METHODS
Several methods are available to analyze for targeted and non-targeted PFAS in wastewater. Pace® can help you select the right method based on the medium and the goals of your project.
PFAS by Isotope Dilution
Pace® method for targeted PFAS
DOD QSM v5.3; v5.4
Quality control standards for PFAS testing
EPA SW-846 Method 8327
Recently developed method for targeted PFAS
EPA Draft Method 1633
Under development. Targets additional PFAS
True-TOF®
Low-volume test method for total organofluorines (TOF)
Adsorbable Organoflourines (AOF)
Less costly, but less-precise method for analyzing for TOF
TOP Assay
Method for analyzing PFAS precursors in a liquid matrix
THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PFAS SAMPLING
Download our PFAS Sampling Guide for PFAS test method details including:
- Method descriptions
- Sampling guidelines
- Compound lists
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.
ADVANCED
We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
INNOVATIVE
We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.
