Phoenix Chapter

Thanks to our sponsor, Geosyntec

Abstract: PFAS in Focus: Understanding, Tracking, and Treating the Unprecedented PFAS Contamination Crisis

Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are man-made compounds that pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence, mobility, and toxicity at low concentrations. A key challenge in addressing PFAS contamination is the lack of a clear, universally accepted definition, compounded by the tens of thousands of known PFAS species and limited understanding of their toxicity. This presentation will explore the unique properties, behaviors, and environmental fate of PFAS, along with challenges in detection and remediation. It will also highlight recent advancements in PFAS treatment, including both ex-situ and in-situ approaches, emerging solutions, and regulatory considerations. Attendees will gain a better understanding of PFAS contamination complexities, the uncertainties regarding their toxicity, and the ever-evolving legal and environmental landscape surrounding PFAS management.

Speaker: Kirk Craig, Senior Principal Environmental Engineer at Geosyntec

Kirk Craig is a Senior Principal environmental engineer and has worked in the water treatment and environmental fields since 1996. His primary areas of expertise include emerging and recalcitrant compounds such as PFAS, as well as the characterization and remediation of impacted industrial and commercial properties. Among a number of PFAS-related projects, Kirk directed the construction of a multimillion dollar source area hydraulic containment system at the Tyco AFFF R&D and training facility, served as a Principal Engineer during the investigation of PFAS impacts at four Air Force bases in the Desert Southwest, and served as a PFAS remedy technical expert representing a public utility in one of the largest PFAS-related litigations to date. And finally, for the past five years, he has co-instructed an investigation and treatment design course at ASU.