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Why the O&G sector should care about PFAS
O&G facility owners and operators are no strangers to dealing with an increasingly complicated regulatory landscape. As new and evolving per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) regulations fuel an air of uncertainty, businesses are wondering how they can manage costs and maintain efficiencies while also staying in compliance.
PFAS, also referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a challenging waste stream to manage. Their molecules have high mobility and are resistant to environmental degradation, making treatment and disposal more complex. Disposal technologies must ensure liquids remain secure, ending the mobility cycle without impacting groundwater or the local environment.
The EPA has proposed several regulatory changes that, if approved, could have significant impacts on the management and disposal of PFAS-contaminated material. Those changes, coupled with the complex nature of these chemicals, mean businesses will need guidance to manage these waste streams safely and responsibly. Republic Services can provide that guidance.
Republic Services’ PFAS capabilities
With 70 years of experience, Republic Services offers the most comprehensive set of environmental solutions from a single provider. Its network of hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment and disposal services expands across North America, enabling it to handle PFAS-contaminated material from start to finish. In addition, they are experts in the O&G industry, providing field and industrial services, E&P disposal and 24/7 emergency response.
This network of innovative treatment and disposal solutions means it can provide turnkey solutions to manage several PFAS-contaminated waste streams safely and responsibly, including:
- Aqueous Film Forming Foam concentrates
- Rinsates
- Groundwater
- Solid or liquid remediation wastes
- Contaminated soils
- Debris
- Biosolids
- Plating bath solutions
Republic Services operates two RCRA Subtitle C hazardous waste landfills in Robstown, Texas and Belleville, Michigan that manage PFAS waste. The facility in Belleville is also the largest stabilization and treatment facility in North America by volume, fully compliant with RCRA Subpart CC emissions standards and manages nearly all federal and state waste codes. In addition, they own RCRA Subtitle C disposal facilities in remote locations in Idaho and Nevada. These landfills are located in dry, arid climates with no leachate discharge. State-of-the-art landfill cells feature double composite liner systems and leak-detection systems and treatment. Nearly all forms and volumes of PFAS-contaminated waste is accepted at these landfills.
Their injection wells in Michigan and Texas extend around 4,500 feet underground, allowing the injection of PFAS-contaminated liquid waste deep into geologic formations that safely confine it. The wells are made of steel casings surrounded by multiple layers of cement and are monitored closely. These wells, often referred to as “deep wells” are recognized by the EPA as being well-suited for the safe disposal of PFAS-contaminated waste.
Offering services to customers in Alaska, the Moose Creek Facility’s innovative thermal treatment process remediates PFAS-contaminated soils and sediments, creates a clean, recycled product and ensures air quality levels are five times cleaner than stringent state regulations. The facility also uses a high-temperature thermal oxidizer that consistently remediates any level of hydrocarbon contamination.
Republic Services’ expertise and offerings expand beyond the O&G sector. It provides PFAS-related industrial services to government agencies, manufacturing companies, aviation operations and fire departments nationwide. Its professionally trained teams use the latest equipment to decommission large-scale AFFF deluge hangar fire suppression systems safely and efficiently and to depressurize fire extinguishers.
Partnering with engineering and consulting firms, its soil remediation and environmental cleanup services provide 24/7 emergency response services to remove and dispose of PFAS-contaminated soil, water, sediment and debris.
Its team of experts works closely with local, state and federal regulators to assess and ensure compliance in every step of the PFAS management process. That means Its customers are assured compliance and can focus on their core business.
With a nationwide network of facilities and the experience, knowledge and flexibility to tailor any of Its services — from remediation, waste treatment and disposal to industrial services, wastewater treatment and emergency response — Republic Services is a proven partner for customers in need of effective PFAS management, from start to finish.
Republic Services offers the most efficient, safe and reliable solutions for O&G operations, which means lower costs and reduced generator status, and greater environmental protection for businesses and communities.
For more information, visit republicservices.com/es or call (800) 592-5489.
