Limiting PFAS in wastewater and biosolids management for communities

Per- and Polyfluoroalkalyl Substances (PFAS) are not directly generated at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) but enter through influent from industrial, commercial and domestic sources. Standard sludge treatment methods, such as digestion, lime treatment, thermal drying and composting, do not remove PFAS. As a result, municipal biosolids often contain trace amounts or even elevated levels of these "forever chemicals."

The most common PFAS compounds in sludge are perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). When wastewater solids containing PFAS are recycled as biosolids, incinerated or landfilled, they can release these "forever chemicals" into the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds in drinking water. Though the agency has developed a testing method for PFAS in wastewater, no federal regulations or guidelines limit PFAS levels in wastewater.

In response, some states have started taking proactive steps concerning biosolids management. This blog post explores the EPA's actions to address PFAS in wastewater and biosolids and ways Fehr Graham helps communities reduce PFAS exposure and protect the environment.

PFAS in wastewater and biosolids management

The PFAS strategic roadmap was developed in 2021 to counter PFAS contamination. The roadmap takes a comprehensive approach to:

• Limiting PFAS from entering air, land and water.
• Accelerating the cleanup of PFAS contamination.
• Investing in research, development and innovation to understand these "forever chemicals."

Limiting PFAS in wastewater

Once PFAS-bearing waste enters wastewater systems, treatment plants are responsible for addressing the contamination. However, Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) lack the capacity to remove PFAS because of the sheer volume of wastewater they process.

Through the PFAS Strategic Roadmap, the U.S. EPA plans to address PFAS in wastewater.

Managing PFAS in biosolids

Biosolids are defined as sewage sludge that has been treated to meet regulatory standards and is suitable to be applied on land as a soil conditioner or fertilizer. The EPA regulates the disposal and use of biosolids under the Clean Water Act. The agency has taken a few steps to research, restrict and remediate PFAS in biosolids.

Limiting PFAS in wastewater and biosolids management is still in the early stages. Without clear and specific guidelines for sampling, testing and monitoring PFAS in wastewater, communities may find it challenging to implement source control and effective treatment methods. Partnering with a trusted team of wastewater engineers can help address the contamination.

How Fehr Graham can help your community limit PFAS in wastewater and biosolids management  

At Fehr Graham, we are committed to helping communities address PFAS contamination in wastewater and biosolids management. From planning and developing effective treatment solutions to securing funding for system upgrades, we are a one-stop shop for all your wastewater engineering requirements.