Olivia Cain, P.E. and Travis Moore Hearne

Perspectives on PFAS in Environmental Due Diligence

Olivia Cain, P.E., Project Engineer, Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. and Travis Moore Hearne, Shareholder, Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester, P.A.

2024 was a busy year for PFAS at the USEPA – the first legally enforceable drinking water standards were established, PFOS and PFOA were designated as hazardous constituents under CERCLA, EPA released recommended water quality criteria for aquatic life protection, reporting requests under TSCA and the TRI increased, and UCMR5 sampling is well underway. Increased regulation of PFAS continues to spur accelerated growth in sampling and treatment and has become a growing area of focus in environmental due diligence.    This presentation will discuss a hypothetical real estate transaction involving a site with known or potential PFAS impacts. We will offer an attorney’s and consultant’s perspective on evaluating potential PFAS sources and background concentrations, Phase II assessment strategies, selecting appropriate screening levels, considerations for soil and waste management, and potential scenarios for completing redevelopment on sites impacted with PFAS.

Olivia Cain is a licensed professional engineer in Geosyntec's Clearwater office. She specializes in contamination assessment, remediation, and treatment design and is one of Geosyntec's national PFAS practitioners. Ms. Cain has supported clients with the assessment and treatment of PFAS at over 40 sites across the United States, including over 20 associated with the use of AFFF.