PFAS Treatment Rental System

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly associated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting operations, had been detected in surface water ponds at a military installation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The environmental consulting firm managing the response required rapid deployment of a treatment system capable of reducing PFAS concentrations to meet emerging regulatory limits.

PFAS contamination presents unique treatment challenges. These "forever chemicals" are extremely persistent in the environment and resistant to conventional treatment methods. The treatment system needed to address multiple PFAS compounds — including PFOS and PFOA — at concentrations found in the surface water ponds, while operating reliably in Colorado's high-altitude climate with significant temperature variation between seasons.

Because the permanent treatment solution was still in the design phase, the project required an interim rental system that could be mobilized quickly and operated for an extended period. The system also needed to comply with Department of Defense environmental program requirements and support analytical monitoring protocols specific to PFAS compounds.

Fliteway provided a rental PFAS treatment system built around granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption technology, which is one of the most proven and reliable methods for PFAS removal from water. The treatment train was designed specifically for the surface water conditions at the military installation, including the expected PFAS compound profile and background water quality parameters.

The system included a surface water intake and pumping system to transfer water from the affected ponds to the treatment equipment. Pre-filtration removed suspended solids and sediment to protect the GAC media and extend vessel service life. The GAC treatment vessels were configured in a lead-lag series arrangement to maximize carbon utilization and ensure consistent PFAS removal throughout the media service cycle.

Comprehensive monitoring was built into the system design. Sampling ports at strategic locations in the treatment train allowed for influent, mid-point, and effluent sampling to track PFAS removal performance. Analytical results guided GAC media changeout timing and confirmed treatment effectiveness against the applicable PFAS regulatory thresholds.

As a rental deployment, the system was designed for efficient mobilization and demobilization. All major components were trailer-mounted or skid-based, allowing for transport to the Colorado site and setup without permanent infrastructure construction.

The PFAS treatment rental system was mobilized and operational on an accelerated timeline, providing interim treatment capability while the permanent remediation solution was being engineered. The GAC-based treatment consistently achieved target PFAS removal rates from the surface water, meeting the regulatory compliance objectives established for the site.

The rental model allowed the client to address the immediate treatment need without the capital commitment of a permanent installation, while the lead-lag GAC configuration provided operational flexibility and predictable media changeout scheduling. Ongoing analytical monitoring demonstrated sustained system performance throughout the rental period.