12/12/18 AEG Dinner Meeting - PFAS Challenges for LSRPs

DINNER MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

“PFAS Challenges for LSRPs”
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
At the Clarion Hotel in Somerset, New Jersey
 

Presented by
Theodoros “Ted” Toskos, PG, LSRP, Senior Principal Geologist
Woodard & Curran, East Windsor, New Jersey
 

ABSTRACT
Sites contaminated with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present a special challenge as promulgated standards are not fully developed, guidance and precedent is limited, or absent, and professional risk and responsibility is great. Regulatory standards are limited to drinking or ground water, but investigators are required to address the entire pathway, and there is a universe of other compounds in the PFAS family that is not being addressed.  In addition, because of their physical-chemical properties there are unconventional migration pathways, such as sewer exfiltration and biosolids residuals, that complicate site assessment and site closure.  We will discuss how LSRPs can use professional judgement grounded in a good Conceptual Site Model to collect appropriate data to both define the nature and extent of impact and to assess whether receptors may be adversely impacted and how to select an appropriate remedy, if mitigation of those impacts is warranted. These evaluations are grounded upon an understanding of the physical and chemical process of the PFAS compounds, their fate and transport in environmental media, potential health effects and approaches and limitations to setting remediation goals. Considering the incomplete and evolving regulatory framework, we will also discuss how to communicate findings and remedial actions to affected stakeholders.