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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Practical and Risk-Based Management of Potential PFAS Contamination for Your Project
Wendy A. Presler1, Kristen Freiburger1 and Stephen B. Ellingson2
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DOI:10.17265/1934-7359/2025.06.003
1. Shannon & Wilson, Inc., Fairbanks 99709, AK, USA
2. Shannon & Wilson, Inc., Madison 53718, WI, USA
PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of more than 12,000 man-made chemicals used in industrial, commercial, and consumer products since the 1940s. Their unique chemical structure resists degradation and they are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long they persist in the environment. PFASs are also known to accumulate in human tissue. Exposure to certain PFAS at very low concentrations can cause kidney and testicular cancer, hormone disruption, and liver and thyroid diseases. Based on our experience managing PFAS impacted soil and groundwater at geotechnical construction vertical (structures) and horizontal (infrastructure and roads) projects, we present case studies to describe the current federal and state regulatory landscape for this group of emerging contaminants. This paper will provide a summary of basic sampling, testing, and risk-assessment approaches as well as solutions for cost effective treatment and acceptable disposal options.
PFAS, AFFF (aqueous fire-fighting foam), groundwater contamination, soil contamination.
Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 19 (2025) 279-287
doi: 10.17265/1934-7359/2025.06.003
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