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.
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
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
How we deliver lasting PFAS solutions
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.
Featured PFAS projects
CDM Smith is taking on one of the biggest contamination crises of our time—and delivering results.
Brunswick County, North Carolina
Brunswick County leads PFAS water fight
View Project
Anaheim, California
Anaheim pioneers the largest PFAS program in the U.S.
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Nantucket, Massachusetts
Breaking the cycle of PFAS on Nantucket
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Dover, DE
Turning PFAS data into decisions for the U.S. Air Force
View Project
See what’s trending in PFAS
Explore our webinars
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
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.