Scaling Solutions for PFAS Reduction

Ubiquitous, pervasive, persistent – these are some of the terms used to describe per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a class of 14,000+ synthetic, toxic chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer goods for the past 80 years. 

The chemistry that makes PFAS useful for flame retardants, water proofing and other applications is what also makes them harmful to public and ecological health. They do not break down under extreme conditions such as heat and weather, with widespread use leading to vast contamination of water sources and the environment that cannot easily be addressed. 

Decisive action is needed to reduce the risk of PFAS-containing products and to protect human health and ecosystems. The challenge is how best to tackle this problem, given the ever-evolving regulatory landscape and serious risks and liabilities facing businesses and communities. 

The opportunity ahead

The good news is that solutions exist. While there is no “silver bullet,” we can address the challenge by working collaboratively across sectors to develop solutions for the full PFAS lifecycle, from the phase-out of PFAS-containing products to site remediation, drinking water treatment and PFAS waste management. 

Today, efforts are largely focused on the treatment of drinking water. To scale impact, we need to shift to a new paradigm that places equal focus on tackling the problem at the source. This includes transforming supply chains to reduce the use of PFAS in manufacturing, supporting the circular economy by segregating wastes to increase recycling and minimizing PFAS-containing wastes for off-facility disposal and destruction. 

Starting at the source 

Identifying and addressing the sources of PFAS is a critical component of effective, long-term PFAS management. The manufacture, use and release of PFAS-containing products have been widespread for decades, resulting in comingled PFAS footprints that make understanding the PFAS behavior at each site unique. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are more than 120,000 PFAS sites in the United States – each with its own set of complexities and characteristics. 

Now, a process known as “fingerprinting” is enabling communities and businesses to identify PFAS sources. Like human fingerprinting, this technology allows identification of specific PFAS compounds among the thousands that exist. Jacobs’ PFAS data evaluation toolset uses a proprietary process that maps the transformation pathways of hundreds of PFAS compounds to identify PFAS sources and release history. Data is visualized in dashboards to inform decision-making and support stakeholder engagement. 

PFAS source identification supports more effective remediation and treatment solutions. Remediating PFAS at the source can avoid or reduce the need to remove it from the drinking water supply and minimize ongoing, costly PFAS treatment.

For example, Jacobs is working with the City of North Bay in Ontario, Canada, to remediate PFAS contamination at Jack Garland Airport. This project involves addressing both on-airport source zones of PFAS to drinking water and evaluating treatment for the drinking water, considering both sides of the equation to solve the challenge holistically.

Elsewhere, Jacobs is supporting a municipality in the northeast U.S. that is working to identify where specific PFAS are entering its system. Using digital identification tools and implementing a sampling plan that is focused on the sewer system, the community will identify PFAS point sources – e.g. industry and landfill – and can then collaborate with stakeholders to remove much of the PFAS at its source.

In the U.K., the Environment Agency has deployed innovative, Geographic Information System tools to identify PFAS risks to the water environment in England. This PFAS Risk Explorer powers a portal that the Agency can use to present and analyze the results of national water sampling.

Aligning with ESG and circular economy goals 

Focusing only on PFAS treatment and waste disposal is reactive. Embracing a proactive paradigm focused on source reduction will require action and collaboration across the entire PFAS lifecycle, including industry partnerships and community engagement. 

PFAS challenges need to be addressed from mitigating environmental liabilities to increasing recyclable PFAS wastes and to source reduction through PFAS product management. By embedding PFAS supply chain management into ESG and circular economy objectives, we can advance product replacement research and development and environmental protection goals in parallel. 

A key part of this collaboration with clients, communities and research entities is engagement with community stakeholders and understanding their needs. This ensures that projects deliver benefits for all involved. 

How do we get there?

Our vision for scaling solutions for PFAS reduction is achievable. When advanced solutions are coupled with industry collaboration and stakeholder engagement, communities are empowered to tackle the problem at the source while continuing to treat and remediate downstream pollution. Scaling this approach will require: 

• Digital solutions to track PFAS from fingerprint to footprint.
• Treating PFAS to near zero.
• Managing PFAS from source reduction to waste minimization.
• Innovating and preparing for a PFAS-free future while recognizing that certain PFAS currently have essential uses.
• Aligning with corporate ESG and circular economy goals.

PFAS and their numerous impacts cannot be addressed in isolation. By tackling the challenge holistically across the PFAS lifecycle – from source to waste – we can realize a PFAS-free future that protects public and environmental health.