Veolia opens $35M PFAS water treatment facility in Stanton – Delaware LIVE News

Veolia Launches Major PFAS Water Treatment Facility in Stanton, Delaware

Introduction

Veolia has inaugurated one of the largest per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) treatment plants in the United States at its Stanton Water Treatment facility. This $35 million project aims to provide safer drinking water to over 100,000 residents in New Castle County, Delaware, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Facility Overview and Capabilities

• The Stanton facility treats up to 30 million gallons of water daily, effectively removing regulated PFAS contaminants.
• It meets federal PFAS limits four years ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2029 compliance deadline, demonstrating proactive environmental stewardship (SDG 13: Climate Action).
• The 17,600-square-foot plant contains 42 carbon-filled vessels, each 22 feet tall and filled with 40,000 pounds of granular activated carbon, filtering water from sources including the Red Clay Creek.
• PFAS levels are reduced to non-detectable amounts, significantly improving public health and environmental safety.

Health and Environmental Significance

1. PFAS Contamination: Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are linked to serious health issues such as cancers, thyroid disease, and developmental problems in children.
2. Public Health Impact: The facility’s operation supports SDG 3 by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and improving community health outcomes.
3. Environmental Protection: By addressing legacy pollution, the project contributes to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through improved water quality.

Project Development and Innovation

• Design commenced in early 2022, with construction completed in under three years by installing filtration vessels prior to building the surrounding structure.
• An on-site laboratory enables ongoing testing and optimization of filtration materials, ensuring adaptability to evolving environmental standards (SDG 9).
• Veolia currently operates 33 PFAS treatment facilities nationwide and plans to expand to over 100 through its “BeyondPFAS” initiative, aiming to secure water quality for nearly 2 million Americans.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support

• Governor Matt Meyer emphasized the project’s critical role in protecting public health, especially for low-income households lacking home filtration systems.
• Veolia collaborated with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to identify PFAS contamination sources, with about one-third of water sourced from the affected Red Clay Creek.
• The company has requested a 44% rate increase from the Delaware Public Service Commission to fund the new system, potentially raising average residential water bills by $19 per month.

Leadership Statements

• Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia: Highlighted the project as a generational improvement in public health and environmental protection, reinforcing Veolia’s commitment to sustainable community solutions aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Karine Rougé, CEO of Municipal Water for Veolia North America: Described the facility as a global standard for responding to contamination challenges, facilitating faster and more effective water quality improvements.

Regulatory Context and Future Outlook

1. The EPA implemented new drinking water standards for PFAS in 2024 but proposed extended compliance timelines due to legal and cost concerns.
2. Veolia’s early compliance positions Delaware as a national leader in proactive environmental regulation adherence, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
3. Ongoing monitoring and potential legal actions to recover costs from chemical manufacturers remain under consideration.

Conclusion

The Stanton Water Treatment facility exemplifies a significant advancement in sustainable water management, directly contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring access to clean water, protecting public health, fostering innovation, and promoting environmental sustainability. Veolia’s initiative sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects addressing emerging contaminants and environmental challenges.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights the removal of harmful PFAS chemicals linked to serious health problems such as cancers, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children, directly impacting public health.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The Stanton Water Treatment facility’s PFAS removal system ensures safer drinking water for over 100,000 residents, addressing water quality and sanitation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The construction and deployment of a state-of-the-art PFAS treatment plant represent innovation in water treatment infrastructure.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Efforts to reduce PFAS contamination relate to managing chemical pollutants responsibly and reducing environmental impact.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between Veolia, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and public authorities exemplifies partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.9
   • Reduction in the levels of PFAS in drinking water and related health outcomes such as decreased incidence of PFAS-related diseases.
2. Indicators for SDG 6.1 and 6.3
   • Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services (safe water supply to 100,000+ residents).
   • Concentration levels of PFAS in water sources before and after treatment (PFAS levels reduced to non-detectable amounts).
3. Indicator for SDG 9.4
   • Number and capacity of innovative water treatment facilities constructed and operational (42 carbon-filled vessels, 30 million gallons treated per day).
4. Indicator for SDG 12.4
   • Extent of hazardous chemical removal from water supplies (removal of PFAS “forever chemicals”).
5. Indicator for SDG 17.17
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships formed for environmental and public health projects (Veolia and DNREC collaboration).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: delawarelive.com