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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.

Ian Ross

Practice Lead

Ian Ross

How we support your emerging contaminants goals

Scientist in lab coat and gloves examines test tube in laboratory with equipment and large windows.
Aerial view of industrial water treatment facility with large tanks and pipes, surrounded by paved and gravel areas.
Industrial water treatment facility with metal tanks and blue pipes.

CDM Smith is passionate about rectifying environmental problems to create a safer and healthier world. Whether it's identifying new contaminants of concern or finding innovative ways to destroy the known threats, we're committed to protecting our air, water and land.

Unparalleled PFAS
treatment expertise

Internationally recognized scientists and engineers operate at the cutting-edge, with real-world solutions backed by science.

Research and testing
laboratory

Our lab in Bellevue, Washington can characterize contaminants and conduct
treatability studies for all market sectors.

Staying ahead of a
dynamic regulatory
climate

The firm’s strong connections with regulatory authorities helps us adapt to change and informs how we implement guidance.

A winning contamination communication strategy

CDM Smith’s risk communication plans
streamline projects, enhance transparency and alleviate stakeholder concerns.

How do facilities transition from AFFFs?

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.

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Featured emerging contaminants projects

Always looking forward, we prepare today for the problems we may face tomorrow, guiding our clients through uncertainty and forging a path towards a more promising future.

View All Environment 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
Interior of a water treatment plant with large beige tanks, blue pipes, and chemical containers.
Interior of a water treatment plant with large beige tanks, blue pipes, and chemical containers.
Ayer, Massachusetts

Ayer combats PFAS with dual treatment systems 

To safeguard its drinking water, the Ayer Department of Public Works (DPW) partnered with CDM Smith to design two tailored PFAS treatment systems using innovative adsorption technologies.

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 pioneers the largest PFAS program in the 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. 

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Man in a light blue shirt standing outdoors with buildings in the background.

A global approach to emerging contaminants—coupled with our deep bench of technical experts—keeps CDM Smith on the cutting edge.

Ian Ross, PhD

Environmental Scientist

Ian is a global PFAS leader, with three decades of expertise in managing and treating emerging contaminants and delivering cost-effective solutions worldwide.

Related resources

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A gloved hand places a vial in a laboratory sample tray with numbered slots.
Insight

PFAS fingerprinting and the case for source control

Source control and pretreatment are among the most cost-efficient ways to fight PFAS. Our researchers are finding new, more efficient ways to identify and trace PFAS fingerprints in the environment.

Firefighters in silver suits spraying foam on aircraft wing for firefighting drill at airport.
Insight

What are aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs)?

Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a standard fire suppressant, is composed of chemicals including PFAS. While PFAS treatment research is ongoing, here are steps airports and other AFFF users can take to lower the risk of contamination.

Laboratory setup with tubes and columns for a PFAS treatability study.
Insight

How do you design a PFAS treatability study?

Charles Schaefer, director of CDM Smith's Research and Testing Laboratory, discusses PFAS treatability studies and their role in safeguarding water from contamination.

Abstract digital network with glowing blue and green nodes and lines.
On-demand webinar

What's happening next? Emerging contaminants, new PFAS, and beyond

In this co-hosted webinar with AMWA, panelists discussed the growing concern over emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS and microplastics, and their impact on water quality.

Launch Webinar

Related practices

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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.

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.

Climate Resilience

We can no longer rely on the past to prepare for the future. Our teams work across water, transportation, environment and infrastructure to implement right-size solutions backed by climate science.

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.

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.

Program Management

CDM Smith’s program management team is bringing complexity under control by building strong, enduring relationships.

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.

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