Augmented Site Characterization of PFAS Manufacturing and Processing Facilities
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in assessing facilities nationwide that have historically produced per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or used them in chemical manufacturing processes. In collaboration with EPA subcontractors, USGS is providing subject-matter expertise in PFAS fate and transport in the vadose zone and groundwater to help support modeling and regulatory decision-making.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products that persist in the environment and are associated with health issues at high concentrations. The study of PFAS is a rapidly developing field. Interactions of PFAS with soil and groundwater—including interactions taking place in the unsaturated zone—are complex and difficult to characterize. Numerous site-specific factors, like geologic material properties, aqueous and solid-phase geochemistry, dispersion coefficients, and environmental parameters, must be considered. The body of literature exploring characterization and modeling of these influences is in early stages, making application difficult at multiple scales. USGS is sharing the latest peer-reviewed PFAS fate and transport science and facilitating access to existing resources (like archived models and soil samples). With this information, EPA can better assess the efficacy of current remedies, understand the timeline and extent of contamination, and utilize the latest tools for their use cases.
A better understanding of background PFAS concentrations—meaning the baseline levels of PFAS present in an environment—as well as how these chemicals move and change underground, will aid in the remediation of contaminated areas and help reduce pollution to nearby water sources.
PFAS manufacturing and processing facility locations overlaid on USGS archived soil sample locations.
Collaborations with EPA on Contaminated Site Hydrology
Detailed Characterization of the Savage Superfund Site, New Hampshire
The Aqueous Flow Concentration Estimator (AFCE): Software for Estimation of Ambient Groundwater Flow in Bedrock Open Boreholes
The Purge Analyzer Tool (PAT) to Assess Optimal Pumping Parameters in the Collection of Representative Groundwater Samples from Wells
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in assessing facilities nationwide that have historically produced per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or used them in chemical manufacturing processes. In collaboration with EPA subcontractors, USGS is providing subject-matter expertise in PFAS fate and transport in the vadose zone and groundwater to help support modeling and regulatory decision-making.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals found in many everyday products that persist in the environment and are associated with health issues at high concentrations. The study of PFAS is a rapidly developing field. Interactions of PFAS with soil and groundwater—including interactions taking place in the unsaturated zone—are complex and difficult to characterize. Numerous site-specific factors, like geologic material properties, aqueous and solid-phase geochemistry, dispersion coefficients, and environmental parameters, must be considered. The body of literature exploring characterization and modeling of these influences is in early stages, making application difficult at multiple scales. USGS is sharing the latest peer-reviewed PFAS fate and transport science and facilitating access to existing resources (like archived models and soil samples). With this information, EPA can better assess the efficacy of current remedies, understand the timeline and extent of contamination, and utilize the latest tools for their use cases.
A better understanding of background PFAS concentrations—meaning the baseline levels of PFAS present in an environment—as well as how these chemicals move and change underground, will aid in the remediation of contaminated areas and help reduce pollution to nearby water sources.
PFAS manufacturing and processing facility locations overlaid on USGS archived soil sample locations.
Collaborations with EPA on Contaminated Site Hydrology
Detailed Characterization of the Savage Superfund Site, New Hampshire
The Aqueous Flow Concentration Estimator (AFCE): Software for Estimation of Ambient Groundwater Flow in Bedrock Open Boreholes