The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has organized a conference addressing the scientific and legal considerations associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Gregory Schnaar, Ph.D., P.G., Principal Environmental Scientist, will present on PFAS Sources and Source Identification.

PFAS differ from other recalcitrant contaminants in that the term encompasses thousands of chemicals, many of which degrade to one of dozens of “terminal compounds” (such as PFOS and PFOA) that are the focus of recent regulatory attention. Recognized PFAS sources include fire-fighting foams, industrial and manufacturing facilities (e.g., electronics, semi-conductors, metal plating), oil and gas production, pesticides/herbicides, and mining. Due to the use of PFAS in consumer products, PFAS sources also include landfills, wastewater treatment discharge, biosolids associated with wastewater treatment, and septic systems. The presence of PFAS from so many potential sources must be accounted for in site investigations, and this talk will explore forensic techniques used to differentiate releases from different sources including one case-study example.

The event takes place on Tuesday, June 18th, 2019 in Westerville, Ohio. Those who complete the workshop will receive the PFAS Site Assessment and Remediation Certificate. Click here to learn more.