Skip to Main Content
CDM Smith logo
CDM Smith Site Logo

By the Numbers

60+

re­search and de­vel­op­ment projects

390+

PFAS in­ves­ti­ga­tions and treat­ment sites

2K

client prac­ti­tion­ers trained by CDM Smith

200+

pub­lished tech­ni­cal papers and journal ar­ti­cles on PFAS

Two people in safety vests walk through a room with large industrial pipes overhead.
410+

PFAS projects worldwide

Our Expertise

CDM Smith has performed sampling, source identification, fate and transport research, and treatment of PFAS since 2007. 

  • Treatment strategies
  • Full-scale PFAS treatment design and construction
  • Cutting-edge research capabilities
  • Bench-scale treatment evaluation
  • Pilot studies
  • Feasibility studies
  • PFAS forensics
  • PFAS characterization
  • Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF investigation, remediation, and transition services)
  • Risk communication
Gloved hands holding a test tube and pipette in a lab setting.

How we deliver lasting PFAS solutions

Flask to field

CDM Smith's industry leading PFAS solutions begin in the lab. Our research teams perform rigorous testing at the bench-scale to find the next generation of PFAS treatment and destruction. 

Staying ahead of regulations

The compliance clock is ticking. CDM Smith has helped thousands of clients get up to speed on the latest federal, state and local guidelines. 

Solutions that last

From 
conventional approaches like GAC and AIX to innovations like the first drinking water treatment system to effectively use reverse osmosis to treat these compounds, our teams 
know PFAS. 

Meet our PFAS team

Our internationally-recognized team of scientists and engineers operate at the cutting edge, creating real-world solutions backed by science. Get to know our PFAS roster.

Video

How do facilities transition from AFFFs?

Subscribe to the Breaking Down PFAS newsletter to receive breaking news and dispatches from the latest developments in the field: www.cdmsmith.com/PFAS The Department of Defense (DOD) has initiated measures to phase out the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). It's known to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and it's ubiquitous in fire suppression systems. How can facilities transition out of using this foam for safer, more biodegradable alternatives that battle blazes? Jill Greene is an environmental expert dedicated to safeguarding our natural resources in the battle against PFAS. With two decades of experience focusing her work on hydrogeologic, stormwater and hazardous waste investigations, Jill reveals key insights on the challenge to transition from AFFF use and the team you'll need to do it.

Video

How do you determine the right level of treatment for PFAS?

PFAS research is constantly evolving. Subscribe to the Breaking Down PFAS newsletter to receive breaking news and dispatches from the front lines of R&D projects and the latest developments in the field: https://www.cdmsmith.com/en/Client-Solutions/Focus-Areas/PFAS What's the right level of treatment for PFAS? Too little and you risk PFAS getting through. Too much and you could blow up your budget. Dr. Charles Schaefer and his all-star team are diligently designing PFAS treatability studies to address this problem head on. Charles is an environmental scientist and the director of CDM Smith's Bellevue, Washington research and testing lab with a wide array of experience in fate and transport of organic contaminants in soil and bedrock. He's a leading researcher in the treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The ability to work on innovative and industry-changing research is a key motivator for the research that Charles does.

Video

How should WWTPs manage PFAS in biosolids?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," pose a complex challenge to wastewater treatment facilities. These facilities don't generate PFAS, but they bear the burden of receiving them. New regulations are posing a universal question for WWTPs: how should they manage the biosolids they generate? The more we learn about forever chemicals, the more experts must strategize about treatment, the future of biosolids use, and management costs. Environmental engineer Eric Spargimino explains what this challenge means for wastewater treatment plants. Eric has 15 years of experience in his field, and recently partnered with the Water Environment Foundation (WEF), National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the North East Biosolids and Residual Association (NEBRA) to conduct an in-depth survey of PFAS affected facilities.

Glowing digital envelopes on a dark background, symbolizing email communication.

Sign up for PFAS updates

Subscribe to our Breaking Down PFAS newsletter to get your fill of breaking news and dispatches from the front lines of active treatment and R&D projects.

Sign Up

Featured PFAS projects

CDM Smith is taking on one of the biggest contamination crises of our time—and delivering results.

View All PFAS Projects
Rows of cylindrical filters with metal pipes in a water treatment system.
Rows of cylindrical filters with metal pipes in a water treatment system.
Brunswick County, North Carolina

Brunswick County leads PFAS water fight  

A North Carolina water utility’s leaders and CDM Smith’s drinking water experts are using low-pressure reverse osmosis (LPRO) to remove PFAS compounds from the water supply.

View Project
Workers in safety vests and helmets stand in front of large PFAS vessels under a clear sky.
Workers in safety vests and helmets stand in front of large PFAS vessels under a clear sky.
Anaheim, California

Anaheim builds largest multiple-well PFAS removal program in U.S.

We're helping Anaheim Public Utilities lead the nation in PFAS removal, restoring safe drinking water for residents through an innovative multi-phase treatment program. 

View Project
Nantucket, Massachusetts

Breaking the cycle of PFAS on Nantucket 

The island community teamed with CDM Smith experts to evaluate potential sources of PFAS contamination. Nantucket is moving toward better informed PFAS reduction and control strategies in the sewer collection system, wastewater treatment plant and landfill operations.

View Project
Aerial view of an airfield with various parked aircraft on tarmac, surrounded by grassy areas and nearby roads.
Aerial view of an airfield with various parked aircraft on tarmac, surrounded by grassy areas and nearby roads.
Dover, DE

Turning PFAS data into decisions for the U.S. Air Force

For the U.S. Department of Defense, the need for PFAS fate and transport research and analysis is more urgent than ever.

View Project

See what’s trending in PFAS

Machine learning rendering showing interactive dashboard
Webinar

Harnessing advanced data analytics and data science for PFAS remediation

From sourcing and linking data to visualizing contaminant pathways, this webinar covers how modern tools are reshaping conceptual site models and improving predictions of PFAS migration.
View Webinar
Aerial view of a tractor on a plowed field, creating long, parallel lines in the soil.
Insight

Understanding EPAs risk assessment for PFAS in biosolids

Read More
Person in gloves handling a test tube, laboratory equipment visible.
Insight

Complying with PFAS MCLs

Read More
Industrial equipment and fire truck in open garage, hoses and containers visible, bright sunlight.
Insight

Reducing PFAS contamination risk with AFFF cleanout

Read More
Two workers inspect an open biosolid hatch, wearing safety gloves and masks.
Insight

Preparing for a biosolids management crisis

Read More

Explore our webinars

Abstract digital network with glowing blue and green nodes and lines.
Webinar

Data-driven strategies for managing complex contaminated sediment sites

Watch On-Demand
A fire truck sprays water onto an old, weathered airplane on a grassy field, creating a scene of emergency response and training with overcast skies.
Webinar

Solutions for firefighting foam transition

What solutions exist to help with the transition from PFAS-containing firefighting foams to biodegradable alternatives? Learn more in this 1-hour webinar.
Watch On-Demand
Two tractors are working in a field under a clear blue sky. One tractor uses a front loader to transfer a large pile of dirt into the other tractor's trailer.
Webinar

PFAS in wastewater and biosolids

For water resource recovery facilities looking for direction on how they can prepare and best protect their communities from PFAS, watch this 1-hour webinar.
Watch On-Demand
Man in a light blue shirt standing outdoors with buildings in the background.

A global focus on PFAS, coupled with a deep bench of accomplished technical experts, has enabled CDM Smith to operate on the cutting edge.  

Ian Ross

PFAS Practice Leader

Related practices

View All Practices
Aerial view of two circular water treatment tanks with blue metal structures.

Water Reclamation

Whether your goal is to meet your permit conditions or to build a net-zero facility, we’ll work with you to find the right solutions.
Gloved hands holding a pipette and test tube, transferring liquid in a lab.

Emerging Contaminants

Our engineers and scientists are working tirelessly to solve the world’s most complex contamination challenges. Together, we’ll find solutions to the latest threats to public health.
Close-up of a muddy excavator track on a construction site with another blurred excavator in the background.

Remediation

We restore environments and protect communities by delivering innovative, science-based solutions that reduce risk and lifecycle costs. Using advanced technologies and adaptive strategies, we help clients achieve resilient, long-term results.
Bubbles rising underwater against a blue background.

Drinking Water

Whether your goals are to unlock new sources, enhance the quality and reliability of the supplies you have or upgrade the technologies you use, we can help you achieve water supply innovation.
Multiple water treatment pools under a clear blue sky.

Water Reuse

Water reuse is the future of water supply. CDM Smith is committed to strengthening water supply portfolios where they are most needed today and will be tomorrow.

Ready to take the next steps?

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

Talk to an ExpertExplore Careers
CDM Smith logo

Let’s Build Something Together

Have a project in mind or want to stay in the loop? Reach out to our team or subscribe to get the latest updates from our work.
Contact UsSubscribe

World Headquarters

75 State Street
Suite 701
Boston, MA 02109 USA
What We Do
  • Markets
  • Practices
  • Priorities
  • Projects
  • Innovation and Technologies
Who We Are
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Cultural Threads Blog
  • Find Us
  • News
Resources
  • Insights
  • Subcontracting
  • Webinars
  • Legal & Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Accommodation Request
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Contract Vehicles
CDM Smith™ | CDM™ | WILBUR SMITH™
© 2026 CDM Smith. All rights reserved.