Landfill Leachate PFOA and PFOS Statewide Study
Project Overview
In February of 2018, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) PFAS Initiative to reduce and eliminate discharges of certain PFAS from industrial sources that may pass through wastewater treatment plants. In response, the Michigan Waste and Recycling Association (MWRA) contracted with NTH to conduct a collective study of leachate from landfills in Michigan. This study was to ascertain the correlation between PFOA and PFOS concentrations in landfill leachate and in the influent of water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs).
Samples from 36 separate landfills across Michigan were collected by NTH staff who were trained by EGLE on their sampling protocols. These samples were collected from both industrial and municipal landfills, and were analyzed using US EPA Method 537 (modified).
The final report of the collective study was provided directly to EGLE consistent with an agreement with the MWRA. A summary report was also prepared by NTH and shared with statewide media outlets, which was used as the basis for multiple news stories.
Project Scope
The MWRA and EGLE met to discuss the results of the report and agree on next steps. The information contained in the report also helped individual landfill facilities in developing Best Management Practices to manage leachate containing PFAS compounds when requested from their local water resources recovery facility. The report also contributed to development of compliance agreements with the Great Lakes Water Authority and the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), roundtable discussion on PFAS treatments, existing technologies, and experimental and research efforts. NTH’s report is now being used as a model nationwide on studying impacts of PFOA and PFOS in landfill leachate on WWRF influent.
Client Benefit
NTH developed a statewide report on the impact of landfill leachate PFOA and PFOS influent on water resource recovery facilities. The report is now used as a national model for evaluating PFOA and PFOS in landfill leachate.
We love to exchange insights that contribute toward improving our nation’s infrastructure and environment.
Careers that bring your work to life. And life to your work.
Interested in speaking with one of our industry experts?
Check out the latest and greatest in AEC thought leadership.
