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MassDEP reports 208 PFAS notifications, 98 point‑of‑entry systems installed; examines radon issue with GAC
Summary
MassDEP said it has received about 208 PFAS notifications (steady recent years), installed 98 point-of-entry (POET) systems (61 still managed by DEP), and is evaluating an emerging issue: radon adsorption on granular activated carbon used to treat PFAS, which may affect spent‑media disposal and safety.
MassDEP provided an update on PFAS site notifications, responses and remediation pilots during its advisory committee meeting.
John Beekler, PFAS coordinator, said MassDEP has recorded about 208 PFAS notifications as of September and that most notifications involve groundwater impacts; only roughly 10% are soil-only exceedances. "Most of the notifications we've received in waste site cleanup are related to groundwater," he said.
As part of imminent-hazard responses, MassDEP has installed 98 point-of-entry treatment systems (POETs) for affected private wells and continues to maintain 61 of those systems before transferring them to site owners after two years of monitoring and maintenance. Beekler said DEP's standard POET setup uses lead/lag granular activated carbon (GAC) vessels with sediment filters and sampling ports.
An emerging technical issue is the adsorption of radon on GAC. Beekler said GAC is effective for PFAS but can also concentrate radon, and decaying radon on spent GAC could lead to gamma emissions and eventual disposal challenges. "The issue with radon ... is GAC has been great in treating PFAS. It's also a great absorbent for radon," he said. DEP reported addressing incidents case by case and testing pretreatment aeration where radon is elevated; the agency is also evaluating alternative adsorbents and technologies.
Beekler said MassDEP is piloting innovative remediation methods, including a smoldering technology test for PFAS-impacted soil at Joint Base Cape Cod, and continues to assess permeable reactive barrier media (carbon-based) and other approaches. He also noted the cost of PFAS analysis is a challenge and said DEP is exploring field-screening options.
MassDEP did not announce new regulatory standards at the meeting; the update focused on program activity, treatment strategies and technical issues for practitioners and municipalities.
