Location: Binghamton, NY
Due to the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a number of drinking water supplies across New York State, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has initiated a Statewide evaluation of remediation sites to better understand the extent that PFAS and 1,4-dioxane are present in groundwater across the State. These contaminants have recently been formally identified as “emerging contaminants” by the U.S. EPA and, in the case of PFAS, the EPA and several states have enacted extremely low interim drinking water standards until the total risk from these compounds can be more thoroughly understood.
Brickhouse Environmental was contracted by CAE Electronics to develop and implement a detailed sampling and analysis work plan to comply with the NYSDEC-mandated sampling. Specialized sampling equipment and procedures were required throughout the sampling due to the ubiquitous presence of PFAS in many types of clothing and manufactured products (especially Teflon, which has been the material of choice in water sampling equipment for years). Also, specialized decontamination procedures, sample handling procedures, and analytical processes were implemented during the collection and analysis of samples for PFAS compounds, to prevent cross-contamination and false positive results.
Brickhouse successfully completed this assignment, confirming that PFAS were not present in groundwater at concentrations exceeding the interim standards.