High-Temperature Incineration Proves Reliable Solution for PFAS Elimination

Veolia has published testing data on the incineration of PFAS compounds. The tests demonstrated that high temperature incineration is a proven and reliable disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS.

PFAS contamination is a critical challenge due to its widespread presence and persistent nature. This testing, conducted using the EPA’s most current guidance, advances the scientific understanding of PFAS disposal and gives cities and industries more options for management of these compounds.

The two-phased study was conducted at Veolia’s hazardous waste incinerator in Port Arthur, Texas, in July and October of 2024 by a third party provider. The facility was chosen based on its track record of managing PFAS-containing material, and its ability to reach a secondary combustion chamber temperature of 2,040 degrees Fahrenheit and a residence time of 2.3 seconds.

The testing evaluated thermal treatment of AFFF fire fighting foam, PFAS-contaminated soil and spent carbon water treatment media in alignment with the EPA’s most current guidance for solids, liquids and stack air emissions (EPA Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS - April 8, 2024). The testing used the OTM-45 and OTM-50 methods to evaluate products of incomplete combustion (PICs) in stack air emissions. The test results were recently announced at the 2025 PFAS Forum V in Tampa, Florida.

The key findings of the testing included:

• Overall result: High temperature incineration is an efficient disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS.
• Solid residue: In 41 of 45 samples, there were no detectable quantities of the target PFAS in any of the ash, slag or filter cake. In four ash samples, target PFAS levels close to the method detection limit were identified.
• Liquid residue: Very low levels of the target PFAS were detected in liquid residues; the target PFAS residuals were below the method detection minimum, as well as the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set by the EPA for drinking water.
• Air emissions: The destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) was greater than 99% for the majority of target PFAS, and few to no PICs were detected during incineration, indicating highly effective destruction.

“This testing demonstrated that high temperature incineration is a reliable and proven disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS,” said Bob Cappadona, president and CEO of Veolia North America’s Environmental Solutions and Services business. “Veolia takes a scientific approach in conducting the industry’s most comprehensive, modern and credible testing of PFAS incineration. As part of our GreenUp strategy, we have curated an end-to-end solution for PFAS management. This test is one more step in our journey to protect human health and the environment.”

Veolia provides drinking water to more than 9 million people across the United States and has treated more than 24 billion gallons of water for PFAS at more than 30 sites, with dozens more under construction or in planning.