Geosynthetics and PFAS: Understanding the role of polymer processing aids in geosynthetics
November 17th, 2023
Like many other industries, geosynthetics manufacturers are navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulations. However, in the case of geosynthetic products, an interesting and seemingly paradoxical question emerges: Is it possible that the same products that have been designed to solve complex environmental problems, and even contain pollutants, could also […]
EPA finalizes rule to require enhanced PFAS reporting to Toxics Release Inventory
October 25th, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that improves reporting on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by eliminating an exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are used at […]
EPA finalizes rule to require reporting of PFAS data to better protect communities from forever chemicals
October 3rd, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that will provide EPA, its partners, and the public with the largest-ever dataset of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) manufactured and used in the United States. This rule builds on over two years of progress on the Biden-Harris Administration’s action plan to combat PFAS pollution, safeguarding […]
Geomembrane resin manufacturers embrace non-PFAS polymer processing aids amidst growing regulatory pressure
September 21st, 2023
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes play a crucial role in various industries, from environmental containment to civil engineering projects. These geomembranes are manufactured using high molecular weight polyethylene resins, with the aid of polymer processing aids (PPAs) to enhance production efficiency. Traditionally, fluorinated polymers mixed with fluorosurfactants have been the go-to PPAs due to their ability […]
Three cost savings geomembranes provide in potable water
September 8th, 2023
By Felon Wilson Resiliency in drinking water systems has become a broad discussion as many systems have experienced operational and quality problems. Like much of our ageing infrastructure, the backlog of needed updates and repairs continues to grow. Infrastructure improvements are expensive, and the cost burden of the improvements is borne by the user, in one […]
PFAS: Axter Australia undertakes successful geomembrane performance test regime
August 18th, 2023
Axter Australia has undertaken a substantial testing program to establish the performance of Coletanche Bituminous Geomembranes as a barrier system for PFAS-contaminated materials. Beginning in June of 2022, Axter engaged ADE Consultants in Melbourne, Victoria to enhance its understanding of Coletanche performance as a PFAS barrier, beyond its well-established performance as a hydraulic barrier which […]
’23 summer highlights
August 1st, 2023
It’s been another busy summer for the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) and that activity will continue into the fall. We kicked off the summer in early May with our second Geosynthetic Infrastructure Morning at the Outlook Conference held at the Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville, S.C. Two years into the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment […]
EPA announces new framework to prevent unsafe PFAS from entering market
July 5th, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its framework for addressing new and new uses of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The framework outlines EPA’s planned approach when reviewing new PFAS and new uses of PFAS to ensure that, before these chemicals are allowed to enter into commerce, EPA will undertake an extensive evaluation to ensure […]
EPA takes important step to advance PFAS strategic roadmap, inform potential future regulations under CERCLA
April 28th, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) asking the public for input regarding potential future hazardous substance designations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as “Superfund.”“Today’s announcement highlights EPA’s commitment to transparency and the use […]
Illinois Tech assistant professor awarded funding to stop spread of ‘forever chemicals’ into waterways
January 26th, 2023
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) assistant professor David Lampert was recently awarded funding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) Student Design Competition for a project to stop the spread of “forever chemicals” into waterways. Lampert’s project—one of just three nationwide selected for phase II funding—focuses on preventing the movement of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) […]