Michael Mims was recently featured in a Bloomberg Law article, “Industries Driven by Risk, Regulation in Search to Destroy PFAS,” on the growing push to find technologies that can destroy PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.” As regulation, litigation, and public health concerns increase, manufacturers, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities are looking beyond containment and exploring new ways to eliminate these chemicals. The EPA and Department of Defense are also working with technology providers to test emerging solutions.
Michael, who advises landfills and other industrial facilities, offers the legal perspective on why destruction matters. With PFOA and PFOS now covered by CERCLA, he explains, onsite destruction can offer a liability advantage. Companies that ship PFAS concentrate to another site can remain tied to that site indefinitely, while documented destruction can end that chain of liability.