Black & Veatch has been selected by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) to develop nationwide guidelines for pilot testing treatments that target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals.”
The upcoming PFAS Piloting Guidance Manual will detail essential requirements and best practices to promote a common understanding among water utilities, regulators, and engineers. This joint initiative aims to speed up the implementation of PFAS treatment projects across the country, benefiting both water systems and the communities they serve.
In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) concerning six PFAS chemicals. At the state level, many have yet to establish formal regulatory frameworks for validating and approving PFAS projects, while those that do often impose rigorous piloting requirements, leading to unnecessary delays in project timelines.
Existing regulations frequently mandate extensive pilot testing, hindering vital projects. The guidance manual from Black & Veatch is anticipated to simplify this process, facilitating the timely rollout of PFAS treatment systems.
“This initiative is crucial for providing our industry with the necessary information to make prompt, informed decisions regarding PFAS treatment projects,” stated Amanda Canida, senior water process engineer and project lead at Black & Veatch. “PFAS treatment initiatives are essential for safeguarding community health and safety, and with tight deadlines, water utilities cannot afford unnecessary delays.”
Drinking water utilities must adhere to the U.S. EPA’s drinking water standard for PFAS by April 26, 2029. The design, bidding, and construction phases for PFAS treatment projects often exceed three years, leaving utilities with a limited timeframe to implement solutions.
By establishing an industry consensus, the PFAS Piloting Guidance Manual will align piloting requirements with the complexity and novelty of proposed treatments, thereby expediting processes for established technologies and aiding utilities in meeting EPA’s PFAS compliance timelines.
“In partnership with the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), we will evaluate current state permitting requirements and create a pathway toward nationwide guidance,” noted Adam Feffer, senior water process engineer and PFAS practice lead at Black & Veatch. “The resulting manual will incorporate input from various stakeholders and ultimately facilitate the swift implementation of effective PFAS treatment solutions in a safe and efficient manner.”
The project will gather insights from key agencies, including the EPA, with the final guidance document expected to be released in early 2025.
Source : Black & Veatch
