PFAS Management
Tetra Tech is redefining the future of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) management by delivering innovative, science-based solutions that accelerate investigations, advance treatment and destruction, and outpace evolving regulations and client demands.
Tetra Tech provides comprehensive PFAS services across the full lifecycle, from source identification and forensic analysis to predictive modeling, treatment system design, and advanced destruction. Our global teams help government, industrial, and commercial clients reduce uncertainty and manage evolving regulatory demands with tailored, data-driven strategies.
We use our Leading with Science® approach to integrate artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced analytics, advanced fate and transport modeling, and custom visualization tools to streamline source attribution, accelerate site characterization, and drive smarter remediation strategies. We design scalable water treatment systems, optimize site-specific mitigation, and deploy cutting-edge destruction technologies, including electron beam and supercritical water oxidation.
Tetra Tech delivers agile, future-ready PFAS solutions for today’s most complex environmental and infrastructure challenges through deep technical expertise, targeted research, and purpose-built innovations.
Characterization and Assessment
PFAS Site Investigation and Modeling
We deliver high-resolution investigations and predictive modeling to understand PFAS transport and exposure risks.
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and National Priorities List (NPL)-compliant investigations
- Source identification and forensics
- Conceptual site models (CSM)
- 2D/3D fate and transport simulations
- Mechanistic modeling using AI and machine learning (ML)
- Surface water and groundwater interactions
- Bioaccumulation modeling, such as fish and human biomarkers
Advanced PFAS Detection and Analytics
Tetra Tech applies industry-leading methods to detect PFAS and precursors across media.
- Analytical methods
- U.S., UK, Europe, and Australian methods (e.g., EPA Methods 537.1, 533, and 1633; ALS Method TM 434; and EN 17892)
- Total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay
- Total organic fluorine (TOF)
- Suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
- Passive and active sampling
- Cross-contamination controls and sampling quality assurance and quality control
- Thermal imagery and high-resolution site tools
- Analytical strategy for site and matrix specificity
Remedial Design Strategies
Our experts design optimal strategies to provide source zone remediation of PFAS-impacted media and infrastructure.
- In situ soil flushing and source zone mass reduction
- Stabilization, excavation, and soil washing
- Concrete remediation from repeated aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use
- Risk-based remediation design
- Integration with groundwater strategies
- Short-chain PFAS evaluation and mitigation
Treatment and Destruction
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Tetra Tech delivers tailored PFAS treatment solutions using advanced technologies to meet regulatory standards across diverse water and wastewater applications.
- Design and optimization of treatment systems for PFAS removal in various water sources
- Pretreatment
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange (IX) resins
- Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration
- Evaporation and concentration
- Pilot testing with custom media, such as polymer
- Mobile and containerized treatment systems
- Industrial, municipal, and Department of Defense (DoD) site applications
- Compliance with discharge and potable standards
PFAS Destruction Technologies
Tetra Tech is Leading with Science by providing solutions for the deployment of innovative PFAS destruction methods.
- Electron beam (eBeam)
- Ultrasound
- Plasma, supercritical water oxidation (SCWO), and electrochemical oxidation
- Pilot-scale testing and data validation
- Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP)-funded research and demonstrations
Solid Waste and Byproduct Management
Tetra Tech provides solutions for the safe and sustainable management of PFAS-related waste.
- Brine and spent media destruction or disposal
- Biosolids treatment
- Landfill gas and condensate management
- Leachate reduction and management
- Lifecycle cost and carbon analysis
- Compatibility with incineration restrictions
- Risk-informed residuals handling
AFFF Transition and System Decontamination
Our experts recognize the environmental risks with PFAS and provide services for system cleaning and decontamination and transitioning to fluorine-free foam.
- PFAScrub® system cleaning and validation
- AFFF rinsewater management
- Turnkey transition to alternative foams
- Infrastructure and compatibility assessments
- Facility-wide planning and implementation
- Firefighting system continuity during changeover
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
Tetra Tech provides expert guidance to navigate evolving PFAS regulations and risks.
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCL), CERCLA, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and state-level support
- Monitoring, permitting, and reporting compliance
- Securing and administering State Revolving Funds
- Litigation support and expert advisory
- Stakeholder engagement and public communication
- International regulatory compliance, such as REACH and Prop 65
- Integration with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability goals
Connect with us. Reach out to our experts in PFAS management solutions.
