New million plant opens in Chester County to remove PFAS from contaminated creeks.

As regulatory bodies and chemical manufacturers continue to investigate the origins and implications of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly dubbed “forever chemicals,” utility companies are proactively addressing the situation by implementing filtration systems to remove these harmful substances from the U.S. water supply.

In a significant move, Veolia, a French multinational known for managing water and wastewater systems across 39 states, inaugurated a state-of-the-art million charcoal filter facility on Wednesday. This new plant is strategically located at the Stanton Water Treatment facility in Delaware, aimed at extracting PFAS contaminants from two local creeks in Chester County. The development marks a notable investment in environmental health and water safety, reinforcing Veolia’s commitment to addressing the PFAS crisis.

Utility companies nationwide are preparing to install similar filtration technologies to adhere to forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that mandate the removal of these chemicals by 2029. The Stanton facility, hailed as the largest PFAS treatment project in the northeastern United States, features nearly 100 treatment vessels, each equipped with 20 tons of activated carbon, designed to capture and later safely dispose of PFAS.

The facility plays a crucial role in safeguarding water sourced from the Red Clay and White Clay Creeks, ensuring that it remains safe for approximately 100,000 residents in locales such as Newark and Claymont, Delaware. Veolia aims to enhance its utility operations across the U.S., projecting an ambitious plan to double its current scale in the coming years.

In 2022, Veolia acquired the Stanton plant from its French competitor, Suez. The facility’s design and construction were executed by New York-based CHA and Michael F. Ronca & Sons, utilizing Newterra steel containers manufactured in Arkansas. Along with the Stanton plant, Veolia has also integrated other water treatment facilities, including the former Betz and GE Water labs in Bucks County, into its operational framework.

The growing urgency surrounding PFAS regulations has prompted Veolia and other utility operators to develop innovative strategies to eliminate these substances from drinking water. This follows an EPA directive mandating the removal of PFAS, which are linked to serious health risks including certain cancers and developmental issues. Although previous administrations suggested extending the compliance deadline to 2031, the urgency for immediate action remains prominent.

PFAS originated from several major manufacturers and are prevalent in numerous consumer products, known for their resistance to oil and water. Their prevalence poses a significant challenge, as they can persist in the environment and accumulate in water supplies.

Delaware state regulators are currently evaluating Veolia’s proposal, which could lead to a modest increase in water rates for local customers to fund the new filtration plant. As utility companies and chemical manufacturers navigate the complex landscape of PFAS regulations, the ongoing developments underscore a critical commitment to consumer safety and environmental stewardship.

Through its large-scale anti-PFAS initiatives and advanced treatment technologies, Veolia aims to set a standard for water safety while addressing the broader implications of chemical contamination in the United States.