Terraphase was engaged to review the results of a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) investigation conducted by a third-party consultant at a hospital property in Pennsylvania. Historical records indicated the site had previously discharged laundry wastewater (greywater) to a drain field south of the main facility, raising concerns about potential PFAS impacts to soil and groundwater.

Scope of Services

Terraphase’s services included the development and implementation of a focused soil and groundwater investigation at the property to replicate prior results and characterize the nature and extent of PFAS compounds in soil and groundwater. The ultimate goal for the site is to obtain a release of liability (ROL) under Pennsylvania Act 2 regulations that demonstrates attainment of a selected remedial standard.

Consistent with the initial investigation, six PFAS compounds: (perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA], perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS], perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHpA], and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid [PFBS]) were targeted for analysis in soil and groundwater. Results confirmed the presence of PFOS, PFNA, and PFOA in both soil and groundwater, with additional PFAS (PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFBS) detected in groundwater. The investigation also identified PFOS and/or PFOA at concentrations above the respective Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) residential and non-residential medium-specific concentrations (MSCs) in multiple soil and groundwater sampling locations throughout the site.

Based on the results of the initial investigation, Terraphase developed, and is currently completing, a more comprehensive soil and groundwater investigation designed to fully characterize the extent of the PFAS impacts in soil and groundwater at the site. The comprehensive investigation will include evaluating the potential significance of human and ecological exposure to PFAS compounds in soil and groundwater to determine the need for remedial or risk management actions necessary to obtain an ROL.

Notable Accomplishments

• Verified and expanded on third-party PFAS findings with consistent results
• Identified exceedances of PADEP MSCs across multiple areas of the site
• Maintained rigorous quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols with no detectable contamination in control samples