Water & Carbon Group launches first operational fixed-plant system in the U.S. to remove PFAS from raw leachate
In a groundbreaking development for the solid waste industry, The Water & Carbon Group has launched the first operational fixed-plant system in the U.S. for removing per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) from raw leachate. Known as the LEEF System®, this innovative solution is already generating impressive results for its first U.S. client, Bethlehem Landfill Co., a subsidiary of Waste Connections Inc.
The LEEF System. Operational since July 1, 2024, Bethlehem Landfill is now able to treat and discharge leachate with PFAS at non-detect levels, well below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits for drinking water.
"Our partnership with The Water & Carbon Group is an integral part of our sustainability objectives and our commitment to improving the environment," said Astor Lawson, District Manager of Bethlehem Landfill Company. "In one short month, the LEEF System is already surpassing our expectations, with early results showing the removal of target PFAS contaminants to the limit of detection."
Jim Hunter, CEO of The Water & Carbon Group, added, "This installation at Bethlehem demonstrates our years of R&D and full-scale operations in Australia. The LEEF System is proving to solve PFAS-related challenges for the U.S. solid waste industry as well."
Addressing a nationwide challenge. With the U.S. EPA establishing enforceable limits for PFAS compounds in drinking water, the need for effective PFAS removal is clear. Foam fractionation technology as utilized in the LEEF System could be become the standard for solid waste landfills to treat leachate and reduce PFAS concentrations.
The LEEF System solution. The LEEF System stands out for its operational efficiency, effectiveness, and affordability. Compared to other technologies, the LEEF System uses less energy, requires no pre-treatment or consumables, and produces a lower volume of residuals. It is effective on untreated leachate and reverse osmosis reject for PFAS removal.
The unique foam fractionation process removes 99% of targeted PFAS compounds in a short period of time by taking advantage of the way that PFAS substances attach to air bubbles, allowing these substances to be skimmed and removed.
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