This is What a $150 million Investment in PFAS treatment facilities looks like

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to Village Manager Keith Kazmark , it became clear what a $150 million investment in PFAS treatment facilities looks like with the arrival of eight treatment vessels at the new Prospect station in Glen Rock. When finished next year, this site will treat over 3 million gallons of water per day.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are found in various products and have been linked to environmental and health concerns. PFAS are challenging to remove from water due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them resistant to conventional water treatment methods. PFAS treatment facilities are designed to remove or reduce these contaminants from water sources. Here’s how they typically work:

1. Water Intake and Pre-Treatment

• Water Source: Contaminated water is drawn from a source, such as a groundwater well, surface water body, or municipal water supply.
• Pre-Treatment: Large particles, debris, and other contaminants are removed through pre-filtration methods like sedimentation, coagulation, and filtration. This step prepares the water for PFAS-specific treatment.

2. PFAS Removal Technologies

Several technologies are used to remove PFAS from water, often in combination to achieve the best results:

• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC):
  • GAC is one of the most common methods for PFAS removal.
  • Contaminated water passes through tanks filled with activated carbon, which adsorbs PFAS compounds onto its surface.
  • The carbon bed needs to be replaced or regenerated periodically as it becomes saturated with PFAS.
• Ion Exchange Resins:
  • Ion exchange resins are specialized polymers that exchange ions in the water with ions attached to the resin.
  • Resins can be tailored to target specific PFAS compounds, effectively removing them from water.
  • Over time, the resin becomes saturated and must be regenerated or replaced.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO):
  • RO is a filtration method that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, blocking PFAS and other contaminants.
  • It is highly effective but also energy-intensive and generates a waste stream (concentrate) that requires further disposal or treatment.
• Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP):
  • AOP involves generating highly reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals, that can break down PFAS molecules.
  • This method is often used as a secondary treatment to destroy PFAS after they have been concentrated by other methods.

3. Post-Treatment and Water Quality Monitoring

• Post-Treatment: The treated water may undergo additional filtration or treatment to remove any residual contaminants and ensure it meets regulatory standards.
• Water Quality Monitoring: Continuous monitoring is conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment process and to verify that PFAS levels are within acceptable limits.

4. Waste Management

• Spent Media Handling: Spent GAC, ion exchange resins, and RO concentrate are considered hazardous waste due to the concentrated PFAS content. They must be handled, transported, and disposed of according to environmental regulations.
• Regeneration: GAC and ion exchange resins can sometimes be regenerated to remove adsorbed PFAS, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.

5. Final Water Distribution

• Safe Water Release: Once treated, the water is either returned to the environment (e.g., discharged into a river) or distributed for use (e.g., as drinking water).

6. Ongoing Maintenance and Optimization

• System Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that all components of the treatment facility are functioning properly.
• Optimization: Facilities continuously evaluate and optimize treatment processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and adapt to changes in water quality or regulations.

Challenges and Considerations

• High Costs: PFAS treatment can be expensive, especially for large volumes of water.
• Regulatory Compliance: Facilities must comply with increasingly stringent PFAS regulations, which can vary by region.
• Emerging Technologies: Research is ongoing to develop more effective and sustainable PFAS treatment methods, such as advanced filtration materials, electrochemical treatments, and biological degradation.

In summary, PFAS treatment facilities employ a combination of technologies to remove these persistent contaminants from water sources. While effective, the treatment process is complex, requiring careful management, monitoring, and adherence to environmental regulations.