The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) has received two grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help reduce the amount of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) entering wastewater collection and treatment systems in Vermont.  Since treatment facilities are not designed to remove PFAS or other Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), some of the PFAS coming in ends up going out with the effluent and the rest ends up in the solids which must be managed.  Vermont has no biosolids incineration facilities; only landfilling and beneficial reuse options are available.  Concerns about high levels of PFAS in biosolids could impact both those management methods so VTDEC is being proactive with its pollution prevention approach.

The first grant came from EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) funds.  The goal of this P2 project is to identify and reduce PFAS going to wastewater treatment facilities from businesses.  The focus is on the metal finishing and aerospace industrial sectors – at least to start.  VTDEC will be collecting information and conducting sampling in the initial stages of the project.  VTDEC will work to identify sources of PFAS from the businesses and alternatives for those uses.    The program is non-regulatory and participation is voluntary.  However, participating companies will get recommendations and technical assistance with reducing sources of PFAS from their businesses.  VTDEC has contracted with Weston and Sampson to do the sampling and Sanborn & Head will be providing technical assistance.  The final report for this project is expected in June 2022. 

The VTDEC also received a small Performance Partnership grant from EPA to identify sources of PFAS into wastewater treatment facilities by doing sampling out in the collection systems or sewersheds.  University of New Hampshire researchers will be working on this project with the VTDEC.  So far, Middlebury and Essex Junction have stepped up to participate in the sampling program.

For more information about the P2 grant project, go to: PFAS Pollution Prevention Project | Department of Environmental Conservation (vermont.gov)