AECOM has launched an innovative AECOM PFAS pilot program in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to tackle one of the most pressing water challenges today.
The program focuses on testing advanced technologies that reduce and destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at municipal wastewater treatment plants across Massachusetts. As a result, it aims to identify scalable and effective solutions for long-term environmental protection.
Testing PFAS Solutions Across Multiple Sites
AECOM partnered with CDM Smith to execute 18 pilot tests within a short timeframe.
These tests evaluate a range of treatment and destruction technologies across multiple publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). Moreover, the multi-site approach allows researchers to analyze performance across different wastewater conditions.
Consequently, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of how PFAS behave during treatment processes.
Why PFAS Require Advanced Treatment Approaches
PFAS are synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and commercial applications. However, they resist natural breakdown and often pass through conventional wastewater systems untreated.
As a result, these substances accumulate in water, soil, and biosolids, raising serious environmental and health concerns.
The AECOM PFAS pilot program addresses this challenge by testing technologies across:
- Liquid treatment streams
- Solid waste streams
- Air emissions processes
This integrated approach ensures a more complete evaluation of PFAS removal and destruction.
Innovative Approach to Real-World Testing
Unlike laboratory-only studies, this program evaluates technologies under real operating conditions.
AECOM leads pilot studies that examine:
- PFAS separation efficiency
- Destruction effectiveness
- Operational feasibility
- Scalability across facilities
Therefore, utilities gain actionable insights that support future implementation decisions.
Driving Scalable and Practical Solutions
The program’s multi-technology strategy allows simultaneous evaluation of several solutions. As a result, decision-makers can compare performance across different methods and environments.
In addition, the findings will help utilities identify cost-effective and scalable treatment options. This is particularly important as regulatory pressure around PFAS continues to grow.
AECOM’s Role in Environmental Innovation
AECOM brings extensive expertise in municipal wastewater treatment and global PFAS management. Through this initiative, the company strengthens its role in delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions.
By advancing the AECOM PFAS pilot program, the company supports communities in protecting water resources and improving public health outcomes.
