The 2024 Annual Joint Conference of Keystone SWANA and PWIA brought together over 300 solid waste professionals including owners, regulators, environmental engineers, lawyers, and project managers. The conference was a pivotal event for discussing the latest innovations and challenges in waste management and environmental engineering. Here, we recap the key takeaways from the event, focusing on the critical role of landfills, the proactive management of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and the evolving landscape of waste management.
Dr. Jamie Green, Regional Program Outreach Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, emphasized the crucial role that landfills play in sustaining our societal infrastructure. Her international travels highlight the stark differences between societies with effective solid waste management systems and those lacking them.
In the United States, the solid waste industry delivers vital, highly specialized, and heavily regulated services that are integral to community health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, waste management operations were designated as "essential," allowing them to continue serving their communities across the nation without interruption.
Continuous monitoring and inspection of these systems are conducted, with compliance reports regularly submitted to regulatory authorities such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). This is a requirement of the facility's operating permits, ensuring their operational effectiveness.
Solid waste management companies not only handle garbage but also strive to achieve three primary objectives that benefit their communities:
As we delve into the critical roles that solid waste management companies play in supporting their communities, it is equally important to address the environmental challenges they encounter. A significant concern is the presence of hazardous substances, particularly PFAS, which can leach from landfills.
Understanding the effects of these "forever chemicals" on public health and the environment is essential for implementing effective waste management practices that promote community well-being. At the recent conference, we engaged in meaningful discussions about the future regulatory implications, waste stream limitations, and potential treatment solutions for PFAS.
These synthetic organic compounds have been used in various industries since the 1940s and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
PFAS are present in everyday common items such as cosmetics, food packaging, and personal care products that end up in our landfills. Once in the landfill, these chemicals can enter the leachate and landfill gas generated through waste decomposition.
Over the past several years, there has been significant concern regarding the risks to human health from ingesting PFAS which have been found in drinking water.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has established enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for several PFAS compounds in drinking water. Under the new regulation, local governments and water utilities are required to disclose measured PFAS levels to the public by 2027. If these levels exceed the established limits, they must implement measures to reduce PFAS in drinking water by 2029.
These facilities are increasingly anxious about receiving PFAS-laden wastewater from industrial dischargers, which they are responsible for treating before it is released into water systems. Consequently, many are opting not to accept leachate from landfills or other waste streams until it is first treated for PFAS.
These managers are concerned about PFAS contributions from their customers’ waste streams and the potential impact on their operations. Decisions must be made regarding which materials to accept or reject, as well as what treatment systems should be implemented to effectively handle PFAS.
Leachate refers to the liquid that seeps through waste, collecting various soluble and suspended materials. PFAS found in household and industrial products can leach into this liquid. The good news is there are established technologies and ongoing research dedicated to PFAS removal in liquid streams. Federal and state regulatory limits for PFAS vary, and further policies are anticipated.
Landfill gas (LFG), produced by the decomposition of organic matter, may contain PFAS originating in the waste mass within the landfill. Recent research presented at the conference by Dr. Steve Zembe, PhD, PE, from Sanborn Head, who has over 20 years of experience in assessing health and environmental risks, suggests that the total mass emissions of volatile PFAS from landfill gas, along with their concentrations, may not represent a significant exposure pathway or pose a direct threat to human health.
While studies continue to investigate potential health risks, other findings indicate these compounds significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions due to their high Global Warming Potential (GWP). On-going research is essential in this area.
The conference highlighted the critical need for proactive PFAS management through effective waste stream segregation and diversion. By limiting the entry of these chemicals into landfills, we can significantly reduce their potential environmental impact. Furthermore, cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced treatment systems, can effectively eliminate PFAS from leachate and landfill gas before they are released into the environment.
In light of impending yet uncertain PFAS regulations, it is essential to implement proactive and protective measures:
Initiate the collection of data on PFAS levels at your site, focusing on leachate and landfill gas. Understanding your current situation is vital; it empowers you to identify necessary operational changes.
Formulate strategies to treat landfill wastewater streams, specifically targeting the removal of PFAS compounds. This will help ensure these harmful substances do not contaminate groundwater and waterways.
Tackle PFAS in landfill gas. While current studies suggest that PFAS levels in landfill gas may not pose an immediate threat to human health, they do contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, enhancing the combustion efficiency of landfill gas or exploring alternative PFAS removal methods will be essential for sustainable future operations.
Research on the health risks associated with various PFAS compounds is still underway, yet considerable uncertainty persists due to a lack of comprehensive data. We are in the early stages of investigation, with limited population studies that offer only a fragmented understanding of the potential health impacts stemming from PFAS exposure. Ongoing research is crucial to clarify the specific risks posed by these substances.
The introduction of new treatment systems for PFAS removal entails significant financial ramifications. The costs associated with these systems can be substantial, especially when accounting for the necessary cleanup of PFAS-contaminated soils resulting from biosolids applications or closed landfills. Compliance with regulations such as The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) may further increase expenditures, imposing additional burdens on waste management operations.
Legal actions concerning PFAS contamination are already in progress, with some major corporations facing estimated settlements ranging from $1.2 billion to $12.5 billion for contamination claims affecting public water systems. As the regulatory landscape evolves, further legal actions are expected against other entities that may be liable for cleanup costs.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Potentially Responsible Parties (PRP) process will likely be instrumental in identifying additional parties accountable for contamination, further complicating the financial and operational challenges for landfill managers and waste management professionals.
As public awareness grows and recent lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS-containing products gain traction alongside increasing regulatory pressure, waste management is undergoing significant transformation.
Many communities are embracing sustainable practices like recycling, composting, and waste reduction initiatives. Furthermore, waste management companies are investing in innovative technologies, including waste-to-energy systems and landfill gas capture.
This transition towards a circular economy necessitates collaboration among government agencies, waste management professionals, and the public to achieve long-term sustainability objectives.
The 2024 Annual Joint Conference of Keystone SWANA and PWIA was a resounding success, providing valuable insights and fostering important discussions about the future of waste management.
For waste management owners, regulators, environmental engineers, and project managers, staying informed and proactive is key to navigating the complex landscape of waste management. By continuing to innovate and advocate for our communities, we can ensure a sustainable and healthy future.
Interested in learning more about how to implement proactive, practical, and innovative ways to gain a handle on PFAS? Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experts today and take the first step toward understanding how PFAS is impacting your operations.
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