Veolia Opens Massive PFAS Treatment Plant in Delaware, Setting New Global Standard
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- Veolia Opens Massive PFAS Treatment Plant in Delaware, Setting New Global Standard
WILMINGTON,Del.,June 19,2025 – Veolia has launched one of the largest PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) treatment facilities in the United States,located in Delaware. The Stanton plant can process nearly 120 million liters of water each day, setting a new benchmark for PFAS removal and ensuring high-quality drinking water for more than 100,000 residents [[1]]. This $35 million investment underscores Veolia’s commitment to addressing water contamination and establishing reproducible models for global PFAS treatment.
Veolia’s $35 Million investment Tackles PFAS Contamination
The Stanton treatment plant, fully compliant with EPA regulations, uses advanced technology to remove regulated PFAS from drinking water sources. This initiative is part of Veolia’s broader “Beyondpfas” program, which offers end-to-end solutions for PFAS analysis and treatment. Veolia plans to deploy over 100 similar treatment sites across the United states, aiming to provide high-quality drinking water to nearly 2 million Americans [[1]].
Did You Know? PFAS, frequently enough called “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the surroundings and can accumulate in the human body, leading to potential health risks [[2]].
Inside the Stanton Treatment Plant
Veolia began designing the Stanton plant in early 2022,anticipating new EPA regulations on PFAS levels in drinking water.The 1,600-square-meter facility features 42 tanks, each nearly 7 meters high and containing over 18 tonnes of active coal. These tanks are designed to absorb regulated PFAS from the water drawn from two neighboring rivers. The plant also includes an on-site laboratory for continuous testing of new filter materials and treatment methods, ensuring ongoing innovation and process betterment [[1]].
Pro tip: Activated carbon adsorption is a widely used and effective method for removing PFAS from water. The carbon acts like a sponge, trapping the PFAS molecules as water passes through it [[3]].
Statements from Key Leaders
Estelle Brachlianoff, Managing Director of Veolia, emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental security solutions, stating, “The fight against micropollutants is at the heart of our mission.” Matt Meyer, Governor of Delaware, highlighted the importance of addressing PFAS contamination at its source, praising veolia’s leadership in developing one of the largest treatment facilities in the country [[1]].
Karine Rougé, director of the municipal water of Veolia in North America, added, “The lessons of this project will help us to implement faster and more efficient improvements in terms of water quality on a global scale.”
Veolia’s Commitment to Ecological Transformation
Veolia aims to be the benchmark company for ecological transformation, operating across five continents with 215,000 employees.In 2024, Veolia served 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 terawatt hours of energy, and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. The company achieved a consolidated turnover of 44.7 billion euros in 2024 [[1]].
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Water Processed Daily | 120 million liters |
| Residents Served | 100,000+ |
| Veolia PFAS Treatment Sites in US | 34 |
| Total Investment in Stanton Plant | $35 million |
What impact do you think this new plant will have on the community? How can other communities facing similar contamination issues learn from this project?
The Growing Concern Over PFAS Contamination
PFAS contamination is a widespread environmental issue, affecting water sources and ecosystems globally. These chemicals, used in various industrial and consumer products, persist in the environment and can pose important health risks, including immune deficiencies, liver cancer, and thyroid abnormalities [[4]]. As regulations tighten and awareness grows, innovative treatment solutions like Veolia’s Stanton plant are crucial for safeguarding public health and ensuring access to clean water.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS and Water Treatment
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What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. They have been used in various products, including non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and food packaging.
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why are PFAS a concern?
PFAS do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems.
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How does the Veolia plant remove PFAS from water?
The Stanton plant uses activated carbon adsorption to remove regulated PFAS from drinking water. the active coal absorbs the PFAS,effectively filtering them out of the water supply.
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What regulations are in place for PFAS in drinking water?
The EPA has established health advisories for certain PFAS in drinking water and is working on setting enforceable national standards. States may also have their own regulations.
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How can I find out if my drinking water is affected by PFAS?
Contact your local water utility or health department to inquire about PFAS testing results in your area. You can also check the EPA’s website for information on PFAS contamination in your state.
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What is Veolia’s Beyondpfas offer?
Veolia’s Beyondpfas offer includes end-to-end solutions for the analysis and treatment of PFAS, from understanding the subject of PFAS to implementing effective treatment technologies.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about PFAS and water treatment. Consult with qualified professionals for specific health or environmental concerns.
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