Catalyzing Rapid Information Transfer Among Key Stakeholders on PFAS at Contaminated Military Sites

Objective

The primary objective of this project was to efficiently and cost-effectively create and transfer a base of knowledge to the target stakeholders including remedial project managers (RPMs), supporting consultants, and contract laboratories on issues surrounding the use occurrence, fate, transport, and toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) related to aqueous film-forming foams. The final project consisted of the following 5 tasks:

Create a short written Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document
Record a video that addresses the topics raised in the written FAQ
Conduct live and online workshops to develop the written and video version of the FAQ
Conduct on-site Analytical Workshops with participants from contract analytical laboratories

Technology Description

A series of eight questions was developed with input from Air Force and Navy technical contacts. The eight questions and responses were then developed into a short, written FAQ document, live and online FAQ workshops, and a final video that captured a live FAQ workshop presentation. Team members from this project also participated in the preparation of a series of Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Fact Sheets on PFAS. A series of On-Site Analytical Workshops were hosted by Oregon State University and Colorado School of Mines with participants from accredited and non-accredited contract laboratories.

Demonstration Results

The written FAQ and video are now posted. A total of 561 participants including RPMs, consultants, and state regulators participated in online (webinar) and live FAQ workshops. Four on-site Analytical Workshops were conducted with participants from 18 accredited and non-accredited laboratories, two state health laboratories, one water district laboratory, and one Air Force laboratory. There is an ongoing challenge to increase awareness and use of this information.

Implementation Issues

A clear, cohesive body of basic information on PFAS used by United States (US) military to fight fires is now widely, easily, and available free-of-charge to PRMs, supporting consultants, and contract laboratories.