In recent years, public concern over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has surged, as these “forever chemicals” continue to pose serious risks to water quality and public health. We sat down with Buchart Horn’s key PFAS leaders to discuss their work in PFAS treatment for public water systems. Below is a detailed conversation with Scott Russell, Senior Vice President of Water Resources, and Daniel Cargnel, Chief Engineer, who shared insights into their PFAS projects and the future of water treatment.
Interviewer: Thank you, Scott and Daniel, for joining me today. PFAS contamination in water systems has become a significant concern for many communities. Could you start by explaining what PFAS are and why they are so challenging to address?
Scott Russell: Absolutely. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in a variety of industrial applications and consumer products, such as firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent fabrics. These chemicals are incredibly resistant to breakdown, which is why they’re often called “forever chemicals.” Because of this persistence, they accumulate in the environment and in our bodies, potentially leading to health risks like cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. The challenge with PFAS lies in their stability; they don’t easily degrade, making them difficult to remove from water sources.
Interviewer: It sounds like a very challenging issue to address. How is Buchart Horn equipped to handle such a complex issue?
Scott Russell: With nearly 80 years in engineering and environmental consulting, Buchart Horn has a deep well of experience to draw from. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes engineers, scientists, and environmental specialists, collaborates to develop customized solutions for public water systems facing PFAS contamination. We’re able to bring a variety of innovative technologies to bear on the problem, ensuring that we can adapt our approach to the specific needs of each project.
Interviewer: Speaking of technologies, what are some of the methods Buchart Horn uses to treat PFAS contamination?
Daniel Cargnel: Our approach is multifaceted, involving cutting-edge technologies and a thorough understanding of each water system’s unique needs, and the evolving State and Federal regulations. We offer comprehensive solutions that include granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, ion exchange, and other adsorbents such as Fluorosorb 200 or Dexsorb. For larger systems reverse osmosis (RO) in combination with these technologies may be cost-effective. Each of these approaches has its strengths, and we customize our approach based on the specific PFAS profile of the water source we’re working with. Disposal of the spent media is also a very important consideration and can have a significant impact on the life cycle cost of a project.
Interviewer: It’s clear that Buchart Horn offers a robust suite of solutions for PFAS treatment. Could you share some examples of projects where you’ve successfully addressed PFAS contamination?
Daniel Cargnel: We’ve worked on several projects where our team was brought in to assess and address PFAS contamination in public water systems. In one case, we provided consultation to a client dealing with elevated PFAS levels across multiple water sources. We evaluated the most cost-effective methods for addressing these compounds, considering alternatives for treatment and potential alternate water sources. Our approach involved a comprehensive assessment of both current and potential future drinking water and waste disposal regulations, the evaluation of various treatment and removal options, and the preparation of conceptual layouts and cost estimates for each viable solution. After detailed analysis and collaboration with the client, we were able to recommend an actionable plan that balanced effectiveness with cost-efficiency, providing our clients with clear guidance on how to proceed, ensuring that the selected method would be both practical and sustainable.
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re not only focused on immediate solutions but also on long-term planning. How do you ensure that these systems remain effective over time?
Daniel Cargnel: That’s a great point. PFAS regulations are still evolving, so it’s crucial that the systems we design are adaptable. We can provide ongoing monitoring assistance to ensure the systems continue to perform effectively. This includes real-time monitoring, routine inspections, and optimization of the treatment processes. We also stay on top of regulatory changes to make sure our clients remain compliant.
Interviewer: Given the complexity of PFAS and the evolving regulatory landscape, how do you help clients navigate these challenges?
Scott Russell: Our role goes beyond just designing and implementing treatment systems. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and regulatory obligations. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest guidelines and provides strategic advice to help clients remain in compliance. We are not focused solely on treatment but also on evaluating future regulatory impacts and how they might affect the system. This holistic approach allows us to provide solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you see as the future of PFAS treatment and water quality management?
Daniel Cargnel: The future will likely involve new technologies and a greater emphasis on sustainability. As the understanding of PFAS continues to evolve, so too will the methods for managing them. We anticipate more stringent regulations and an increased demand for innovative solutions that not only remove PFAS but also minimize the environmental footprint of the treatment processes.
Scott Russell: I agree. There’s also a growing recognition of the need for collaboration across different sectors—engineering, environmental science, public health, and government agencies. That’s why it is so important to bring together expertise from various disciplines to develop comprehensive solutions.
Interviewer: It sounds like this is one of those moments in history that requires an “all-hands-on- deck” approach and knowing that there are so many experts focused on finding solutions is certainly encouraging. To that point, what message would you like to leave with communities concerned about PFAS in their water?
Scott Russell: Our message is one of hope and reassurance. While PFAS contamination is a serious issue, there are effective solutions available. At Buchart Horn, we are dedicated to safeguarding public health and the environment. We believe that through innovative treatment technologies and a commitment to excellence, we can help communities ensure access to safe, clean water for generations to come.
Interviewer: Thank you both for sharing your insights and the important work Buchart Horn is doing in the field of PFAS treatment.
Scott Russell: It’s our pleasure. We’re passionate about what we do and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.
Daniel Cargnel: Thank you for having us. We’re excited to see how our work will help shape the future of water quality management.
Buchart Horn is a leader in providing innovative PFAS treatment solutions for public water systems. With decades of experience and a commitment to safeguarding public health, Buchart Horn is dedicated to ensuring community access to clean and safe water. For more information, visit their website at www.bucharthorn.com.
Pictured: Scott Russell, PE, Senior Vice President of Water Resources (left); Daniel Cargnel, PE, Chief Engineer (right)