PFAS and Emerging Contaminants

EKI takes a solution-oriented approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants (e.g., 1,4-dioxane, herbicides, and microplastics). EKI’s staff has experience planning and implementing strategic site investigations, testifying on large and complex legal matters, evaluating conventional and novel treatment technologies, using forensic methods to identify sources of PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and presenting and communicating research findings and implications of evolving regulations at technical conferences and webinars.

PFAS

PFAS are a group of over 4,000 individual compounds of anthropogenic chemicals with properties ideal for myriad consumer and industrial products. Common industries associated with PFAS use include airports and military bases that use or have used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) firefighting foam, semiconductor and electronics manufacturers, chrome‑plating facilities, fire stations, refineries, building and construction, laundromats, car washes, textile facilities, plastic manufacturers, landfills, and many others. Commonly detected PFAS include the subclasses perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), as well as perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA have been shown to be persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative, and toxic to humans and animals. Many states have adopted maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS that are specific to the type of PFAS contamination in that state. California currently has drinking water notification and response levels for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS in the low parts‑per‑trillion range. The EPA has adopted MCLs for various PFAS.

Emerging Contaminants

Emerging contaminants include chemicals or materials with a perceived, potential, or real threat to human health or the environment, but may be “emerging” because of the recent discovery of a new source or a new pathway to humans or the environment. Emerging contaminants often lack federal or state regulations; however, as emerging contaminants are identified, regulatory agencies may rapidly respond. EKI assists our clients with impacts associated with emerging contaminants such as PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, herbicides, and microplastics, among others.

EKI helps clients in the emerging contaminants space by digesting and communicating the evolving regulations relevant to them, performing site investigations to understand the extent of contamination, and designing solutions to meet regulatory requirements and treatment goals.