AEG Event 4/24/25: PFAS Remediation Using Colloidal Activated Carbon

DINNER MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

PFAS Remediation Using Colloidal Activated Carbon –
Scientific Basis, Application Strategies, and Case Study

Katarina Seymour, Mid-Atlantic District Manager
REGENESIS

April 24, 2025

At the Clarion Hotel in Somerset, New Jersey

 
  A colloidal activated carbon (CAC) injection in the form of a permeable
reactive barrier (PBR) to halt the migration of PFAS contaminated groundwater.  

ABSTRACT
The recent CERCLA designation of PFAS has heightened concerns surrounding liability, risk, and the long-term management of contaminated sites. Traditional pump-and-treat systems have significant limitations, including high costs, long treatment times, and the generation of secondary PFAS-laden waste requiring disposal. In contrast, colloidal activated carbon (CAC) presents a cost-effective and sustainable in-situ remediation approach by adsorbing PFAS in place, reducing contaminant mobility, and enhancing natural attenuation.

This presentation will examine the scientific and regulatory foundations supporting in-situ PFAS remediation, including key research findings and U.S. Department of Defense directives emphasizing cost-effective alternatives. The discussion will also cover:

• Design considerations for CAC remediation systems
• Longevity and effectiveness of in-situ PFAS sequestration
• Cost implications compared to traditional remediation methods

A case study from a Mid-Atlantic DOD site will illustrate the real-world application of a CAC retention barrier installed in 2022. The study evaluates CAC dosing strategies, injection techniques, and performance monitoring using passive flux measurement tools. Nearly two years of post-application data demonstrate a greater than 98% reduction in PFOA and PFOS concentrations, highlighting CAC’s effectiveness in mitigating PFAS risk.

BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Katarina Seymour had seven years of experience in environmental consulting in New Jersey prior to joining REGENESIS. She has worked on a variety of sites including ISRA cases, gas stations, childcare centers, residential storage tanks, and industrial projects. Ms. Seymour holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Rutgers University. Ms. Seymour has worked on all phases of contaminated sites ranging from initial site assessment to remediation oversight. Ms. Seymour has worked closely with Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs) and is very familiar with the NJDEP Technical Guidance. 

As the Mid-Atlantic District Manager, Ms. Seymour works with environmental consulting and engineering firms to develop remedial approaches by offering design, application, and performance review services for in situ groundwater and soil remediation.

SPONSOR
AEG NY-P's April Meeting is sponsored by:

https://regenesis.com/

REGENESIS is an expert provider of cost-effective in-situ soil and groundwater remediation products. Offering the only patented, proven in-situ PFAS groundwater treatment at the lowest total cost-to-closure. REGENESIS leads the industry in effective groundwater and source treatment to eliminate PFAS compounds and other emerging contaminants.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming AEG New York-Philadelphia Chapter Events
 

• May 15, 2025: Sterling Hill Mine Talk by Mike DiMaio, GANJ. (Details to come)
 

• June 10, 2025: Field Trip to Edelman Fossil Pit & Museum. (Details to come)
 

• September 11, 2025: Dr. John Kemeny, the Richard Jahns Distinguished Lecturer for 2024-2025, will present on "Innovative Monitoring and Characterization Technologies (with the help of AI) for Combatting Geologic/Hydrologic Hazards Associated with Climate Change." (Tentative date - to be confirmed)
 

• September 2025: AEG Annual Meeting - Windy City Geology in Chicago, IL

Join the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists at the 68th Annual Meeting, to be held at the Westin Chicago River North Hotel from September 23-27, 2025. This annual meeting, at a hotel located in the heart of the Windy City overlooking the skyline and Chicago River, will provide an exciting, educational experience, and a great opportunity to reconnect with your colleagues and meet new ones. Learn more and register to attend, sponsor, or exhibit at AEGannualmeeting.org. 
 

Other Announcements
 

NEWS
• AEG NY-PHILA at the 2025 LSRPA Conference 
We showcased our Technical Talks and Geologic Field Trips focused on Site Remediation, highlighted the “Roadside Geology of New Jersey,” and served candy rocks to the over 500 attendees at the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Association (LSRPA) Conference, March 26, 2025, in New Brunswick, NJ

• Do you have news we can use?  If you have an announcement or request you would like to have distributed, please let us know!
 

• National newsletter contributions. Send us your news item for inclusion in the national AEG Newsletter, including news about our members for the Homefront section!

2025 - 2026 AEG New York-Philadelphia Chapter Board:
Chair:  Loren Lasky, NJDEP, Hill Environmental, retired        
Vice Chair:  Tom Cumello, Dewberry
Past Chair:  Rose DeLorenzo, LSRP Consulting
Past Chair: Jim Peterson, Princeton Geoscience
Treasurer:  Ted Toskos, Jacobs                 
Co-Secretary:  Tim Hull, Princeton Geoscience
Co-Secretary:  Joelle Freeman, Verdantas
Webmaster: Jennifer Cherlin, Galli Engineering
Student Outreach Chair: Professor Alec Gates, Rutgers University-Newark