In a significant development for the solid waste industry, Bethlehem Landfill Company, a subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc., has achieved remarkable results in removing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from raw leachate. The company has partnered with The Water & Carbon Group to implement the LEEF System®, the first operational fixed-plant system in the United States specifically designed for PFAS removal.
Since its launch on July 1, 2024, the LEEF System® has demonstrated its effectiveness at Bethlehem Landfill, enabling the facility to treat and discharge leachate with PFAS at non-detect levels, well below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits for drinking water. This achievement marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing challenge of PFAS contamination in the environment.
“Our partnership with The Water & Carbon Group is a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability and our dedication to improving the environment,” said Astor Lawson, District Manager of Bethlehem Landfill Company. “In just one month, the LEEF System® has surpassed our expectations, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in removing target PFAS contaminants.”
Jim Hunter, CEO of The Water & Carbon Group, emphasized the significance of this installation, stating, “This deployment at Bethlehem showcases the years of research and development, as well as our full-scale operational experience in Australia. The LEEF System® is proving to be a game-changer for the U.S. solid waste industry, offering a solution to the pressing challenge of PFAS contamination.”
The LEEF System® utilizes foam fractionation technology, a process that has been proven effective in removing PFAS from water and wastewater. This technology stands out for its operational efficiency, effectiveness, and affordability. Compared to other PFAS removal technologies, the LEEF System® requires less energy, no pre-treatment or consumables, and produces a lower volume of residuals. The process effectively removes up to 99% of targeted PFAS compounds in a short period by taking advantage of the way that PFAS substances attach to air bubbles, allowing these substances to be skimmed and removed.
As the U.S. EPA establishes enforceable limits for PFAS compounds in drinking water, the need for effective PFAS removal solutions becomes increasingly critical. The success of the LEEF System® at Bethlehem Landfill suggests that this technology could become the industry standard for treating leachate and reducing PFAS concentrations in the solid waste sector.
The Water & Carbon Group is solely focused on utilizing the LEEF System® to remove PFAS contaminants from leachate in the U.S., providing North American landfill owners with a proven, cost-effective solution for achieving PFAS compliance and ensuring community safety. The LEEF System®, originally developed in Australia by leading environmental engineers, is now being delivered to the solid waste industry in North America in partnership with Leachate Management Specialists.
Bethlehem Landfill Company is committed to environmentally safe and cost-effective waste disposal services for residential, commercial, construction, and demolition projects in Pennsylvania. As a member of the Waste Connections family of companies, Bethlehem Landfill prioritizes sustainability and innovation, striving to deliver tailored solutions that benefit its clients and protect the environment, ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for the community.
