Emerging Contaminants and PFAS
Emerging Contaminants and PFAS
Developing strategies and evaluating options in this time of rapidly evolving regulations
As a firm focused on water, BC has a unique perspective on the intersection of emerging contaminants in the water cycle. We’re focused on delivering sophisticated, yet practical solutions from source identification and sampling of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to developing and delivering remediation strategies for microplastics, and potential endocrine disruptive chemicals from pharmaceutical and personal care products.
We focus on long-term reliability, protection of public health and the environment, risk management, and innovative technology when needed. We’re working with coalitions, leading industry organizations, academia, and other partners to apply scientific principles and peer-reviewed research to influence and shape emerging contaminant regulations.
Kyle Hay
Municipal PFAS Leader
EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
Free PFAS Drinking Water Standards Quick Reference and Sampling Checklist to track ongoing compliance monitoring at your facility.
We can help you adapt to what’s emerging. The U.S. EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation establishes Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water. Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by mid-2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring.
Download, print, and post BC’s free PFAS Drinking Water Standards Reference and Sampling Checklist for an at-a-glance reference to:
- Regulation Overview
- Hazard Index Calculation
- FAQs
- Monitoring Requirements and Sampling Tracker
PFAS in the water cycle
PFAS chemicals have been manufactured and broadly used in commerce with little to no restrictions since the 1940s. As a result of this usage, PFAS have entered the water cycle and the environment from many sources. The potential for human exposure exists from consumer products, airborne particulate, crops, fish and grazing animals, food packaging (grease repellents), and groundwater supplies. BC is partnering with clients at all points of the water cycle to formulate actionable solutions that protect public health and the environment, and take into account rapidly changing regulations and shifting state policies.
Services
Our emerging contaminants and PFAS services address the diverse and unique challenges facing clients.
Shaping science-based policy
Through our collaboration with leading industry organizations such as the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC), partnering with clients to respond to regulator inquiries, and advising newly formed PFAS coalitions, BC’s experts are providing objective, scientifically-based information to shape state and federal regulations. Our regulatory experts across the U.S. maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to help clients negotiate favorable outcomes that protect public health and the environment and achieve other business objectives.
Treatability Testing
Our state-of-the-art testing laboratory is well equipped and staffed to evaluate PFAS and emerging contaminant treatment options quickly and with confidence, potentially reducing the cost and risk associated with facility design, construction, and operation. From rapid analysis using conventional physical, chemical, and biological methods, we quickly provide answers and solutions that keep pace with regulatory actions and fully address public concerns.
Treatment Technologies
We are working with various technology developers to advance innovative, destructive technologies and site management approaches that could potentially achieve cost effective and reliable solutions that minimize liabilities.
Related News
Water Quality Technology Conference
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Related News
Water Quality Technology Conference
International Water Conference
Rocky Mountain Water Conference
Related Videos and Podcasts
Impacts and costs of PFAS in wastewater and biosolids
Dr. Allegra da Silva and Sarah Reeves join ‘Streaming Water’ podcast to discuss PFAS
PFAS contamination and treatment with Dr. Erin Mackey
Related Papers and Reports
- Microplastics from different viewpoints
- Multi-class machine learning classification of PFAS in environmental water samples: a blinded test of performance on unknowns
- Fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through two full-scale wastewater sludge incinerators
- An Evaluation of Biosolids Management in Maine and Recommendations for the Future
- PFAS Fate in Pyrolysis System Reflecting Full-Scale Configurations – Thermal Oxidizer Impacts
- A novel approach to interpret quasi-collimated beam results to support design and scale-up of vacuum UV based AOPs