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From Contamination to Compliance: Successful PFAS Sequestration and Disposal in Grand Rapids, MI
Learn how we helped a Grand Rapids wastewater treatment facility expand their footprint by safely and compliantly removing and transporting 31,000 tons of PFAS-contaminated soil.Byline: BTB Author
June 30, 2025 / Time to read: 5 minWhen the City of Grand Rapids wanted to expand the footprint of its wastewater treatment facility, a soil test revealed high levels of
The Challenge
To expand treatment capacity at the Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the State of Michigan required the site to meet clean soil criteria. However, testing revealed PFAS contamination at levels high enough to require the excavation and disposal of approximately 5 feet of sediment off the bottom of the facility’s lagoon.
Time was critical — not just because the City of Grand Rapids was eager to move forward with the expansion, but also due to seasonal constraints. Since it was fall, low water levels in the adjacent river left the lagoon completely dry, creating an ideal window for excavation. By spring, rising water levels would refill the lagoon and saturate the sediment, rendering it ineligible for landfill disposal due to excess moisture.
The Solution
Our expert remediation team sequestered the PFAS-contaminated soil safely and in compliance with all regulations. We also coordinated the transportation of the material to our Belleville, MI Subtitle C landfill using 50-ton gravel trains.
Our Belleville Facility staff worked closely with our on-site PFAS experts to coordinate scheduling, provide daily weight tickets and manifest copies and ensure compliant disposal of the contaminated material.
Throughout the project, we provided real-time reporting of daily volumes so we could track progress and stay on schedule.
The Outcome
In total, we removed 31,000 tons of PFAS-contaminated soil. Thanks to the efficient transportation and secure disposal of this material, the city of Grand Rapids was able to begin the civil work necessary to complete this project without delay. As a result, they were able to expand their facility within the original timeline.
Safe and Compliant PFAS Disposal
Republic Services provides the expertise and disposal network needed to
With a network of permitted landfills and injection wells specifically designed to manage large quantities of solid and liquid PFAS,
- Remediation of PFAS contaminated sites including superfund sites
- Decommissioning of AFFF fire suppression systems including:
- Dismantling tanks, hose reels, piping and valve removal
- AFFF bladder removal
- Transportation and disposal of AFFF and rinse waters in drums, totes or bulk tankers
- Containerization and transportation of debris and piping
- Municipal Fire Departments AFFF foam truck decommissioning and decontamination
- 24/7 emergency response
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