In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new regulations for PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water. As industrial facilities and municipalities strive to meet these standards, one thing is clear: compliance is not only about detection and remediation but also about integrating intelligent control systems that ensure efficient, accurate monitoring and operation.
At Enterprise Automation (EA), a Tetra Tech company we specialize in intelligent control systems and supplement our expertise with Tetra Tech’s deep knowledge of PFAS assessment and remediation. This synergy provides a powerful solution for clients aiming to meet and exceed EPA requirements while maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing lifetime system costs.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
– What PFAS Are and Why They Matter
– The New EPA Regulations on PFAS
– How Tetra Tech and Enterprise Automation Can Help
– The Role of Control Systems in PFAS Compliance
– Next Steps: How to Prepare for PFAS Regulations
What PFAS are and Why They Matter
PFAS are a group of artificial chemicals used in various industries since the 1940s to resist heat, water, and oil. Unfortunately, their persistence in the environment has led to their being dubbed “forever chemicals,” as they do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to significant health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease.
With the widespread use of PFAS in manufacturing, food packaging, and firefighting foams, many water systems are now contaminated. As a result, addressing PFAS contamination has become a priority for water systems and industrial facilities.
The New EPA Regulations on PFAS
In April 2024, the EPA introduced the **National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR)** for six PFAS chemicals, setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) to safeguard public health. Public water systems are now required to:
– Monitor for PFAS contamination.
– Notify the public of any PFAS detection.
– Comply with the new standards within five years.
Failing to meet these regulations could lead to penalties, environmental impacts, and potential health risks for the communities you serve. Given this five-year window, it’s essential to act now to ensure compliance. Control systems are vital to staying ahead.
How Tetra Tech and Enterprise Automation can Help
Tetra Tech has been at the forefront of PFAS remediation for over 20 years, participating in more than 200 PFAS-focused engagements across the United States. Their expertise in water quality characterization, pilot testing, and treatment facility design complements Enterprise Automation’s specialized focus on integrating control systems for complex environments. Together, we provide:
– In-depth PFAS assessment using advanced sampling and monitoring techniques.
– Tailored automation solutions that streamline the operation of water treatment facilities, ensuring compliance while optimizing performance.
– Predictive modeling to foresee system vulnerabilities and proactively address them.
With us, you’re addressing the immediate challenge of compliance and preparing your systems for long-term sustainability and efficiency.
The Role of Control Systems in PFAS Compliance
Control systems play an integral role in meeting EPA standards for PFAS. Enterprise Automation specializes in integrating and optimizing these systems to manage PFAS risks, monitor contamination, and automate remediation processes. Here’s how:
– Integration of PFAS detection solutions
With the number of viable PFAS monitoring solutions available, getting the right one for your facility is vital. Getting started with seamless implementation of PFAS detection technology needs the right team to make it work for you.
– Data-Driven Decision Making
Control systems automate data collection and analysis, helping facility managers make informed decisions about treatment processes, maintenance schedules, and compliance reporting.
– Efficiency in Remediation
By automating critical water treatment functions like filtration and chemical dosing, control systems ensure that PFAS remediation processes are practical and efficient. This minimizes the risk of human error and helps maintain consistent compliance with EPA regulations.
– Scalability for Future Needs
As PFAS regulations evolve, so must the systems that support them. Enterprise Automation’s control solutions are scalable, ensuring that your operations can adapt to future regulatory changes without significant overhauls.
Next Steps: How to Prepare for PFAS Regulations
To prepare for the new EPA regulations, it’s crucial to have both a strategic plan and the right technology in place. Here are the key steps to take:
– Assess Your Current Water Quality
Conduct a thorough assessment of your water system to understand where PFAS contamination might exist. Tetra Tech offers comprehensive water quality characterization services that pinpoint contamination levels and recommend next steps.
– Integrate Control Systems for Monitoring
Work with Enterprise Automation to design and implement control systems that allow for seamless monitoring, data collection, and automated responses to PFAS contamination. These systems will provide peace of mind and ensure compliance with EPA regulations.
– Pilot Testing and Custom Solutions
Before investing in large-scale remediation, conduct pilot testing to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment technologies. Tetra Tech offers pilot demonstrations that are both cost-effective and tailored to your system’s unique needs.
– Plan for Long-Term Compliance
To achieve full compliance by the 2029 deadline, now is the time to start planning. Developing a long-term strategy that includes regular monitoring, system upgrades, and collaboration with industry experts will ensure you stay ahead of regulations.
Why Choose Tetra Tech and Enterprise Automation?
Tetra Tech and Enterprise Automation bring unique expertise in water quality assessment, treatment facility design, and control system automation. With over two decades of PFAS-focused engagements and a reputation for innovation and efficiency, we are uniquely positioned to help you achieve compliance while optimizing your operations for the future.
Contact us today to explore how we can help you design and implement control systems that streamline PFAS compliance and protect your operations for years to come!
