Stantec Institute to develop framework to analyze impacts of PFAS on wastewater
September 08 2022 - 6:45AM
NYSE, TSX: STN
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has
selected the Stantec Institute for Water Technology & Policy to
develop a cost analysis for estimating the effects of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on wastewater and biosolids
management across the United States. The project will demonstrate
compliance costs and illustrate the potential impacts on the clean
water community and its ratepayers. Conclusions will serve as a
resource for NACWA subscribers and utilities as well as federal,
state, and local legislators and regulators that are currently
addressing PFAS issues within their watersheds.
PFAS— known as “forever chemicals”— are a class of thousands of
synthetic substances that have become ubiquitous in the production
of industrial and consumer products. PFAS chemicals do not break
down easily over time and studies are showing they create serious
environmental and human health impacts.
“PFAS contamination has become a major health concern and
politically charged issue, with regulatory guidance outpacing
scientific knowledge and engineered treatment capabilities,” said
Emily Remmel, director of regulatory affairs at NACWA. “State and
federal PFAS legislative and regulatory actions are
happening—absent cost-impact analyses—that will have a profound
impact on the public clean water community and its ratepayers.”
Water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) are a collection
point for PFAS compounds that occur in industrial wastewater,
municipal wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, and fire-fighting
foams. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are ineffective
in mitigating PFAS, and they are found in wastewater effluent and
biosolids. Biosolids are most commonly used or disposed of through
land application, landfilling, incineration, or other management
practices.
Stantec’s Joan Oppenheimer will serve as principal investigator
for the study. The study will focus on updating and expanding the
2019 NACWA PFAS cost publication by performing source control and
biosolid cost assessment survey studies and conducting fact-finding
workshops with NACWA subscribers. The team will also call on a
committee of technical advisors to draft value-added reports
outlining the technical readiness of PFAS capture/destruct
technologies for implementation and a triple-bottom line assessment
of PFAS-driven biosolids and source control handling
alternatives.
“As the ultimate PFAS collection point, WRRFs have been left
‘holding the bag’ in terms of PFAS management. It is important that
the industry has a clear understanding of the current cost
implications of the situation,” said Oppenheimer, Stantec vice
president. “Without validated treatment technologies to mitigate
PFAS contamination in wastewater and sludge, the industry must
focus on understanding the cost impacts of available options
related to source control and pretreatment, along with acceptable
biosolids management strategies.”
The project is expected to be completed in early 2023.
For the last decade, Stantec has incorporated a multi-sector
viewpoint to provide PFAS solutions to municipalities; private
sector industrial, energy, and waste-management clients; airports;
and federal departments. The team’s international expertise spans
clients in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Europe with
specialty services through the spectrum of PFAS challenges, from
the science of contaminated site assessment, risk assessment, and
remedial solutions, to bench and pilot studies of treatment
solutions, litigation support, and fire suppression system
replacement options.
About Stantec
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About The National Association of Clean Water
Agencies
For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water
Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in
legislative, regulatory, legal and communications advocacy on the
full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public
wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our
unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the
public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide
affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to
advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to
shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more
information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking
statements regarding the project described above. Forward-looking
statements also include any other statements that do not refer to
historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements are
based on assumptions and subject to inherent risks and
uncertainties. There is a risk that the project described above may
be delayed, cancelled, suspended or terminated. This could cause
future results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements made in this news release. Except as may be required by
law, Stantec undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise
any forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are
provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the
project referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are
cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other
purposes.
Media ContactAshley WarnockStantec Media Relations
Ph: (403) 472-0122ashley.warnock@stantec.com |
Investor ContactJess NieukerkStantec Investor
RelationsPh: (587) 579-2086jess.nieukerk@stantec.com |
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