Energy Use
A Long-Term Challenge
Landfills produce significant volumes of wastewater called leachate.
Leachate is a complex contaminated liquid from the degrading waste mixed with rainfall and is a point-source of PFAS contamination.
Some landfills have been cutoff due to new regulations on the downstream environment.
Responsible landfill operators are now seeking to treat for PFAS prior to discharge to sewer in order to avoid environmental impacts downstream or risk being cut off from discharging to publicly-owned sewage treatment works.
The LEEF System® has been designed to intercept the leachate and extract the PFAS prior to the leachate being discharged to sewer.
State & Local Regulations
Affecting Landfill Operations
PFAS: A New Tipping Point
Landfill owners and operators are under increasing pressure at the municipal, state and federal levels to address the PFAS in their leachate.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, including the management of PFAS-contaminated leachate in landfills.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) holds responsible parties accountable by establishing a federal framework for cleaning up contaminated sites, including those impacted by PFAS.
Plan 15 is a strategic initiative designed to address PFAS contamination in landfill leachate, focusing on risk mitigation and compliance with emerging regulations.
Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) cutoff policies prevent landfills from discharging PFAS-contaminated leachate into municipal wastewater systems, requiring alternative treatments methods.
State and local regulations increasingly require stringent controls and remediation efforts for PFAS in landfill leachate to protect public health and the environment.
The LEEF System®
Effective elimination of PFAS in landfill leachate, reaching limit of detection for compliance.
The LEEF System® utilizes foam fractionation, to remove PFAS from wastewater and condense them into a manageable form.
*Engineered for safe and effective daily operation.
Continuous Flow
Simplifies operations & Increases throughput capacity.
Multi-Stage Process
Primary stripping & polishing stages maintain increased removal rates, preparing to meet regulatory requirements.
Low Residuals
By reaching 10,000x Foam concentration, waste streams that are typically 0.1 - 0.3% of daily capacity.
PROVEN SUCCESS —
Effective performance for of the world’s first PFAS removal system
in Darwin, Australia facility.
World-leading patented technology providing landfill owners a cost-effective method for achieving PFAS compliance & improve community safety.
FOAM FRACTIONATION EXPLAINED
The LEEF System® uses foam fractionation, a widely recognized method for physically separating surface-active molecules like PFAS, which possess amphiphilic (hydrophobic and hydrophilic) properties. These properties cause them to migrate and attach to air-water interfaces as air bubbles.
Our innovative foam fractionation system injects air into landfill leachate to create bubbles that attract PFAS compounds, forming a concentrated PFAS foam that is easily extracted and separated from the wastewater.
Customizable PFAS Removal Solutions Using Minimal Energy &
Minimal Waste
36,500,000 +
Gallons Leachate Treated to Date
Fully operational systems meeting permit limits for compliance.
The LEEF System efficiently treats millions of gallons annually without chemicals and minimal energy.
Key Benefits of The LEEF System®
Experience the Future of Leachate Treatment
Pioneering comprehensive solutions for landfill leachate treatment & PFAS removal.
We're not just treating water – we're protecting communities. Our passion for innovation drives us to develop solutions that turn environmental challenges into opportunities for a cleaner, healthier future.
See how the LEEF System® can reduce PFAS below levels of detection. Book a five-day, on-site demo.
Using Foam Fractionation
Foam fractionation in wastewater treatment introduces fine air bubbles, causing hydrophobic contaminants to adhere and rise as foam. This pollutant-rich foam is then skimmed off the surface, effectively removing contaminants from the water.
Bethlehem Landfill Pioneers PFAS Removal with the LEEF System®
In June 2023, Bethlehem Landfill, a Waste Connections Inc. subsidiary, launched an innovative PFAS removal project. Partnering with the Water & Carbon Group, they implemented the LEEF System® to treat landfill leachate, setting new standards for environmental responsibility.
Environmental Impact
Minimal residual & low-energy consumption.
Comprehensive Removal
Eliminates various long & short-chain PFAS compounds.
Collaborative Disposal
Solidifies & isolates residuals in landfills until permanent destruction methods are available.
Future Enhancements
Vapor-phase carbon system for air emission control set for December 2024.
Regulatory Compliance
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) without air emission treatment.
Better Infrastructure
Improved former waste-to-energy building with safety & containment measures.
How We Help Landfills
Providing innovative, sustainable solutions in wastewater management, PFAS remediation, Industry leaders in technology deployment and integration.
WCG provides the end-to-end solution from site investigation, design, installation, commissioning and operations.
Schedule a
Presentation of the
LEEF System®
Reduce your risk by testing the LEEF System®
Book a live presentation now and see how PFAS can be easily removed from your landfill leachate.
About The Water & Carbon
Engineering a new era of environmental solutions
Since 2007, the LEEF System has led the way in sustainable engineering for the wastewater, environmental, and remediation industries. We specialize in designing, building, and operating multifunctional infrastructure that value natural assets.
Our goal is to pioneer a new era of holistic environmental solutions that align with our customers' financial, environmental, and sustainability objectives. We apply our unique approach collaboratively across all our core business units.
Building a Better Future Together
We aim to provide future-proof solutions that address our customers' current business needs while making a lasting impact on community well-being and shaping a better future.
Our Vision
Our vision is to develop innovative environmental solutions for complex problems, delivering lasting, positive outcomes for both the public and environment.
BLOGS
- Explore Special Insights
Bethlehem Landfill’s LEEF System Featured in the News for PFAS Removal
Bethlehem Landfill celebrates the grand opening of the LEEF System, a first-of-its-kind innovation in PFAS removal. WFMZ’s Bo Koltnow covers...
Bethlehem Landfill Protects Water Quality & Community by Treating for PFAS
Bethlehem Landfill takes a proactive approach to safeguarding the environment, implementing advanced strategies to protect local water quality. Through continuous...