PFAS source investigation, remediation and cost recovery

A client in northeast USA who used polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings on devices they manufacture needed assistance in 2019 after nearby public and private drinking water wells were found to be impacted with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Ramboll provided site investigation and are currently providing remediation services. We developed a comprehensive multimedia PFAS sampling program that included soil, overburden and bedrock groundwater, drinking water, stormwater, air emissions, surface water, sediment, roof materials, residue inside roof stacks and coating products used by the facility.

We implemented several innovative and novel models, including PFAS fate and transport in air, stormwater, and the unsaturated and saturated zones, resulting in the recommendation of a first-of-its-kind, site-specific PFAS threshold in stormwater.

Our analysis also identified several other PFAS sources unrelated to our client, including a predecessor operator, that contributed to the observed impacts. As a result, we led several negotiations with other adverse parties that avoided litigation and resulted in a savings of over $20 million for our client.

Ramboll also provided:

• Site-specific human health risk characterization and ecological risk assessment
• Feasibility study and recommendation of remedial alternative
• Implementation of a groundwater treatment system for the public water supply and installation of treatment systems for residences with private drinking water wells
• Extensive assistance with negotiated settlements and mediation
• Negotiating with regulatory agencies, resulting in significant scope reductions

Our proactive approach minimized our client’s liabilities, developed innovative investigation and data analysis methods for PFAS as an emerging contaminant, and provided clean drinking water for the surrounding community.